Urgently Needed Cough Assist Machine for Mitchell

I was born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a progressive muscle disease that affects 1 out of every 3600 baby boys. DMD is the most common of nine muscular dystrophy disorders and is characterized by progressive difficulty in walking and performing everyday activities as muscles deteriorate and break down.

“I started walking at 16 months of age which was the first sign to Mum and Dad that something was wrong.”, Mum said. “I was diagnosed with DMD at the age of 3 at Starship Hospital. I struggled with walking and running at an early age and eventually ended up in a wheelchair at the age of 8. I have had numerous surgeries including Achilles Tendon release and a Spinal Rod Fusion the whole length of my spine.

The simple tasks of itching my nose or brushing my teeth have to be done by Mum. Everyday tasks have become increasingly difficult including not being able to play Playstation anymore. At present I can just use my computer mouse and drive my power wheelchair which has a specially adapted controller for me to use. I need full support throughout the night because I can’t turn over in bed and I use a Bi-PAP ventilator to support my breathing through the night.

I also have cardiac and respiratory problems along with numerous other conditions that go hand-in-hand with DMD

I was not expected to live to 20 years of age, but now at age 27, I think I am beating the odds.

In order to keep my lungs working at the best they can, I need to use a Cough Assist Machine twice daily to inflate my lungs to their maximum capacity. I find it increasingly difficult to cough on my own and the Cough Assist helps me do this also. If I don't use this machine I am very vulnerable to chest infections and pneumonia which could kill me.

The ADHB will not fund a machine such as this, so this is why we are having to fundraise to purchase such a machine.