Malakai's Journey: Defying DMD with Community Support

Meet Malakai, a brave and spirited young boy who's facing the challenges of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) head-on. At just three years old, Malakai's life has been filled with hospital visits, medical treatments, and the everyday struggles that come with his life-limiting conditions. Despite it all, Malakai's smile remains as bright as ever, and his family's determination is unwavering to ensure that he can have the best life he has the opportunity to live.

As Malakais' Early Intervention Keyworker, I have been working with the family and seeing the fight they put in each day for Malakai and it is completely admirable. But it is also devastating to see the isolation and the struggle that a family can go through each day. I am determined to help show this family that they do not have to walk alone!

DMD is a devastating disease that affects not only Malakai's muscles but also his entire family. His parents, Georgia and Robert, have been tirelessly providing round-the-clock care, juggling medical appointments, and navigating the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies this life-limiting diagnosis.

Malakai has currently exceeded all of his available NDIS funding due to his plan being originally so limited and all therapies are on hold as they are unable to be funded at present. Malakais physical condition and current presentation have the family and his Early Intervention Keyworker fighting for appropriate funding for assistive technology that Malakai requires to move around - A wheelchair, Ankle Foot Orthotics (AFOs), and Night Splints. The family also does not have an appropriate disability vehicle to appropriately transport Malakai and the equipment he requires for his degenerative condition which places further strain on the family unit.

As the cost of living increases, bills are starting to pile up and Malakais need for specialized equipment and ongoing care is increasing, Malakai is currently in the hospital fighting pneumonia and has had many other ongoing hospitalizations in the last few months due to his complex medical conditions including Adrenal failure. With hospitalizations comes the requirement for a family member to stay in the hospital with Malakai and as a result, Malakais' siblings require care at home and cannot be at the hospital. This is preventing Robert - Malakais' father from being able to return to work due to having to choose between his son's life and caring for his children or returning to work this week. This family has found themselves facing financial strain that no family should endure alone and the impact on the wellbeing and mental health of the family unit is dire.

But here's where you come in. Your support can make a world of difference for Malakai and his family. By contributing to this fundraiser, you're not just helping with medical expenses; you're providing hope, relief, and a sense of community during their toughest times.

Your donation will go towards:

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to ensuring Malakai gets the care and support he deserves. Let's rally together as a community to show Malakai and his family that they're not alone in this fight against DMD; this hospital admission or the next! Thank you for your generosity and for being a beacon of hope in Malakai's journey.