Bring Maverick Home

Ashley Koszman and Connor Duffy welcomed their son Maverick David Paul on April 1, 2018. Maverick was born with PCD – Primary Ciliary Dyskinisia an autosomunal recessive disorder that is inherited by both parents with the same autosomunal recessive genes. The chance for a child to inherit this disorder is 1 in 4. It may never show up in a family until the right 2 people come together. The ratio of people that have this is approximately 1:20,000. It is a rare genetic which is characterized by the ultra-structural defects of the cilia which leads to the abnormal function in different organs in the body including the lungs. The main presentation of PCD includes Chronic airway infection, inflammation, recurrent pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis and left untreated can cause lung destruction.PCD is similar to Cystic Fibrosis (SCCF) is associated with neutrophil-dormant airway inflammation which leads to increased ultra cellular DNA, although the clinical cause is more benign than CF there are similarities of the mucus properties.Pulmozyme Dornase Alpha (medication) typically given to patients with severe cases of CF – not covered by Sask Health or Blue Cross approximate cost of $1,300.00 a month.There has not been a lot of testing for PCD because of how rare it is and often confused with CF.Ventrical Septal Defect – Large hole in part of the septum that separates the ventricals – a few surgeries to repair this as well as surgery to repair a leaky heart valve, all in Edmonton. THERE WILL BE A NUMBER OF SURGERIES, before Maverick is one years old, IN BOTH EDMONTON AND VANCOUVER. Maverick is now 2 months old and has been unable to leave the hospital since his birth. Ashley has been at his side except for the couple days she has went home, to spend time with their 2-year-old daughter Fiona, who also has PCD. These funds would help the family with the cost of medications, as well as expenses incurred going to Edmonton and Vancouver for surgeries.Thank you for all your love and support in bringing Maverick home!