Karl’s Final Journey to Muscular Dystrophy

This fund raising is to help my sister Mary Grace hold a proper funeral for Karl who recently passed away from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. And more importantly, to support and continue to care for her youngest son Kurt who is also suffering from the same disease. My nephew Karl is the middle child of my youngest sister Mary Grace Veluz. Very bubbly, full of smiles, smart. When he was in Prep, many a times he would experience cramps on his feet. There was not much attention or thought given to that because the doctor assessed him as being a little overweight. He went on to primary school but the constant cramps did not stop. Little that we know it was the beginning of his suffering from a fatal genetic disease. He was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, something that we have never heard of at that time. But how can that be when he has no sign of physical illness? Much more, there is no one in our family who had or has that kind of disease. Over time, Karl slowly lost his physical capabilities one by one. Every time I visited them, he seemed to be getting smaller. His muscles in his legs became weaker and weaker and could not walk without any aid or assistance. His arms got stiffer. Not knowing any support group and the lack of financial resources, it has been hard for Karl and very challenging for my sister. It became exceptionally difficult when her youngest son Kurt was also diagnosed with the same disease. But he was perfectly fine! In my sister’s mind, how can life be so unfair? How and why two of her children can suffer from the same disease? Kurt caught up quickly with Karl’s deteriorating conditions. And soon both have become immobilized and could no longer go to school so they stay home to be home schooled. Computer became their best friend. Karl developed his interest in music and was so proud to be able to make a small project. On June 23, 2020, the disease has hindered Karl’s breathing and his heart function. After 18years, his life journey has ended at Perpetual Help Hospital., Manila Philippines. The current COVID19 restriction did not make it easy to handle his passing away. With a very broken heart, my sister made a decision to cremate him so she can take him home from the hospital. No matter how much we prepare to face the unthinkable, when the death of our loved one unfolds, the hurt is so deep. We are emotionally injured. And though I know we can and will slowly heal, it will forever leave a scar that firmly marks both the love and the loss. It has always been a privilege to experience the love of and for Karl. He has given my sister Mary Grace, his little brother Kurt, his sister Kimberly, his Aunts &Uncles, cousins, friends, neighbours an incredible 18 years of beautiful memories, laughter & tears and unconditional love. Losing her job due to COVID19, my sister Mary Grace needs every help to soldier on. So I thank you for your time and any help you can extend will mean the world.