July 2020 our family received devastating news. Our little nephew Zander got diagnosed with a life changing disease called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Zander is an 8 year old boy. He is full of energy and loves to play, as boys do. The trouble is his legs do not cooperate. He cannot jump in the car like other kids. He falls up and down stairs. His legs give in at any given moment and he has to pull himself up the slide with his arms because his legs just doesn't have the strength. With Duchenne's the prognosis is devastating. Children deteriorate rather quickly and their lifespan is cut short to teenage years. They will also eventually require oxygen and a wheelchair. It is the more severe of the dystrophies. Zander's treatment will only start now when his further blood tests come back. The costs are extreme. For example one consultation at the Neurologist cost R3000 in South Africa ($300 Australian) and he will have to go on a regular basis amongst other therapies like physio, hydro therapy, occupational therapy, psycologist, genetics, cardiologist, pulmonologist, optometrist and other specialised practitioners.
We are asking all our Australian friends to support our little nephew. Please help us to help him....
On behalf of your cousins Juandre and Mikayla who are cheering for you with support from all of us. You’ve got this Zander!