Hi, my name is Kait and I am Flynn’s aunty.

Writing this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, because our family has always tried to manage quietly and protect Flynn’s privacy. But we have reached a point where doing it alone is no longer safe. Flynn’s needs are growing, his condition is progressing, and the physical risks to both him and his grandmother can no longer be ignored.

Flynn is a beautiful, kind and incredibly brave 12 year old boy who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy when he was very young. Duchenne is a progressive and degenerative muscle disease. It slowly and relentlessly weakens the muscles throughout the body. There is no cure, and there is no way to stop its progression. Over time, the disease takes not only strength and movement, but also the muscles responsible for breathing and swallowing. As it progresses, Flynn will eventually lose his ability to move, to breathe independently and to eat safely on his own.

Over the past few years, we have watched Flynn lose almost all of his mobility. He can no longer walk or support his own weight. Everyday tasks that once seemed small now require full assistance. Getting in and out of a car, sitting safely, and being transported from place to place have become physically demanding and increasingly dangerous as his muscles weaken and his body continues to grow.

For most of his life, Flynn has been cared for by his grandmother, my mum, Shelley, due to complex family circumstances. She has been his constant caregiver, his advocate, and his safe place. She is the one who lifts him, comforts him, drives him to school, and sits beside him through endless hospital appointments, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. She does this while carrying the emotional weight of knowing his condition will continue to worsen.

Alongside caring for Flynn, Shelley also cares for her own neurodivergent teenage twins, who rely on her every day. Recently, she lost her job after her employer went into liquidation. Since then, she has been unable to find work that can realistically fit around the level of care Flynn requires. She also does not have full access to Flynn’s NDIS funding, which means external supports are very limited and much of the physical and emotional care falls entirely on her.

Right now, my mum drives a wagon because it is the safest height she can manage to manually lift Flynn in and out of the car. It barely fits his current mobility scooter and offers no room as his needs continue to increase. My mum already lives with ongoing back issues, and every single lift puts strain on her body. Each transfer carries the risk that she could seriously injure herself or that Flynn could be hurt if her strength gives way. This situation is not sustainable, and it is becoming increasingly unsafe.

We are hoping to raise enough money to purchase a vehicle that can safely transport Flynn and accommodate his wheelchair without constant heavy lifting. A suitable vehicle would allow Flynn to be transferred with dignity and safety, reduce the risk of serious injury, and help ensure that Shelley can continue caring for him without sacrificing her own health.

Our family is not used to asking for help. But the reality is that Flynn requires round the clock care, and there is no one else able to provide it. We are asking now because we are terrified that if nothing changes, someone will get seriously hurt.

Any support, whether through donating or sharing, would mean more to us than words can express. It would help give Flynn safety, comfort and dignity as his condition continues to progress, and it would help protect the grandmother who has given up everything to care for him.

Thank you for taking the time to read Flynn’s story and for any kindness you are able to offer.