I wish to have an off-road buggy
When Rochelle was just 28 weeks pregnant, a growth scan revealed that Zachariah’s brain wasn’t growing properly. His chance of survival at birth was expected to be very low. Later scans revealed that Zachariah had lissencephaly, also known as ‘smooth brain’.
A wave of challenges followed in the next eight years of Zachariah’s life. “At just two days old, Zachariah had his first seizure,” said his Mum, “with no warning, his whole body started to jerk which was terrifying.”
Most of the time, he is accompanied in his treatement by his devoted father. Ian’s mother was hospitalized for seven months following a stroke, which she suffered the day they were told that the tumor in Ian’s little head had grown and was no longer responding to treatment. She continues to undergo rehabilitation.
At only six months old, Zachariah’s parents were told that he was blind. Then, a month later, he had to start physiotherapy treatment for scoliosis, hip dislocation, and dystonia (uncontrolled and sometimes painful muscle spasms).
“His spine is curving so much that eventually, his organs will start getting crushed. It’s so incredibly painful to see.” Following a refractory epilepsy diagnosis at five years old, Zachariah began to experience daily seizures. To make matters worse, his epilepsy medication would result in a painful case of pancreatitis.
With surgery planned for later in the year where he’ll have his hips removed due to painful and complex dislocations, Zachariah needs lots of physiotherapy and positional changes throughout the day.
Despite it all, Zachariah is a spirited boy, with the ability to light up every room with his smile. “To go through so much yet remain so wonderfully happy just shows what an incredible child Zachariah is,” said Mum.
Following a long spell in hospital, Zachariah’s buggy would expand his world: “It would give us the opportunity to go higher and further,” said Mum. Having an off-road buggy would enable him to explore beaches and parks with his family as they form precious memories together.
Now, he can confidently explore the vast outdoors: “It helps with his mental health because the outdoors is where he’s happiest.”
Wishes for children like Zachariah help restore the childhood stolen by critical illness. “They tolerate so much. He’s so far away from other things most kids can access. But he deserves happiness. Make-A-Wish offers that opportunity for children to become who they want to become.”
“Thank you so much to all the people who give up their time and money to give children like Zachariah these opportunities. That piece of equipment will be with him forever. He can now have some lovely adventures. It means so much that a charity values a child’s voice and wish, so thank you!”