Angel Gabriel

Beautiful Gabriel is just 2 years old. 8 weeks ago he lived a normal life with his big brother Noah and his beautiful mum Imogen. Gabriel has Krabbe disease, the onset was rapid as is often the case. Now, just weeks on Gabriel can no longer walk, talk, eat by himself, his regression is textbook. He will revert to the capacity of a 6mth old baby whilst his body may endure for several more years, the devastating reality is Gabriels condition is fatal.

Gabriel cannot attend his favourite things like kindy and play. Imogen can no longer pursue her career, all her time and care is devoted to being the best mother to Gabriel and Noah. Noah adores his little brother and is coping as best he can.

Krabbe Disease affects both the central and peripheral nervous systems, which are responsible for all of the body's voluntary and involuntary functions. The central nervous system is made up of the nerves within the brain and spinal cord and is the primary control centre of the body. The peripheral nervous system’s primary function is to carry information from the brain and spinal cord throughout the body to limbs and organs.

Individuals affected by this disorder have a deficiency of the GALC enzyme, which disrupts the production of myelin. Myelin is the insulating sheath that surrounds and protects the nervous system and is needed for the rapid transmission of information to and from neurons throughout the body. Communication with the brain and nervous system becomes restricted or lost, resulting in progression of the disease.

This results in a loss of the ability to walk, speak, swallow, cough, and more. The rate of progression is dependent, in Gabriel’s case it’s extreme, and as Krabbe advances it encompasses all aspects of bodily function and is a fatal disorder.

We are raising fund to financially assist in supporting Imogen and the boys so they may concentrate on spending every precious second together of Gabriel’s short life. Imogen is the daughter of Lee and Brett of Madame Me Me’s for Hair in Hervey Bay. As a community I know, we in Hervey Bay, take care of our own. I beg you to dig deep and help this beautiful family to enjoy their precious time together in this fragile life.