A Dubbo family left heartbroken by the toll muscular dystrophy has taken on their family has been overwhelmed by the generosity shown by the local community.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Fifteen-year-old Greg Cook is currently in a life-threatening battle against a degenerative genetic condition after being flown via emergency helicopter to Sydney in mid-February.
Greg's aunt Val Longmire has organised a fundraiser for the family to help alleviate the financial burden and the response has already left her in tears.
"Seeing the generosity from the community so far is absolutely mind-boggling, it's one thing when you're supporting others, but to see it come back in such a way is so humbling," Ms Longmire said.
"I'd like to thank them from the bottom of all our hearts, it's such a relief to not have to think so much about the financial burden, it's letting them focus on what's important; looking after each other and getting better."
The condition that's placed Greg's life in jeopardy, Becker muscular dystrophy, is rare, but the genetic nature of it means that multiple family members have already been diagnosed.
READ ALSO:
Ms Longmire's own son was diagnosed, as well as her cousin and brother.
"It's quite prevalent in our family, we knew since Greg was about six-weeks-old that he had the disease, it's a muscle-wasting disease, from the time they're born they begin to deteriorate," Ms Longmire said.
Her sister, and Greg's mother, Lyndal Cook has been by Greg's bedside since he was transported to Sydney, as doctors work feverishly to protect and treat the impacts of the disease on her son's heart, which has been irreparably damaged by the illness.
"The best thing they can do is give him medication to support his heart, in the hopes that will strengthen him and allow him to live some kind of normal life," Ms Longmire said.
Climbing travel costs, and Ms Cook being forced to close her own business, forced Ms Longmire to turn to GoFundMe to help provide some measure of comfort, and the response has already been overwhelming.
The donation drive's initial $5000 goal was smashed in just two days and every cent is going toward helping Greg's father Paul, who's staying at home and caring for the kids while working, and Ms Cook as she sees to Greg's needs in Sydney.
Along with ensuring her family's financial safety, Ms Longmire is also hoping to raise awareness of the rare and debilitating disease that has afflicted them.
"People don't really understand it or even truly know all that much about it, it's a disease that's very underpublished," Ms Longmire said.
Donations can be made online through the family's Go Fund Me page, and more information about Becker muscular dystrophy can be found online.
Do you have something to say? We welcome your letters which may run in print and online.