Hello. My name is Linda.

I am live on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. My husband Chris and I are parents to Grace and Harrison.

Harrison (13yrs) lives with a rare and fatal condition called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. It is a severe muscle wasting condition. This has progressed faster than most with this diagnosis. He has lost his ability to walk and now use his arms and relies on 24 hour care with the assistance of others for all personal tasks like eating, scratching his nose, positioning of his body. He is unable to feed himself, hug his family or pat his dog.

Many people have kindly asked how they can support Harrison financially, and the care and generosity behind those messages has meant more to us than we can properly express.

I have made the decision we need to ask for that help. Every dollar raised will be used specifically for his care and the expenses connected to it as we head towards surgery.

Harrison will soon undergo major spinal surgery to have a rod inserted to support his spine due to developing significant scoliosis. The surgery will take place at the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. He will need to be admitted for at least a week, and possibly longer depending on his recovery.

Because the hospital is about an hour’s drive each way for us, this means regular travel to and from Brisbane, time away from work, and ongoing fuel, and incidental costs while we stay close to him. The rent and all utilities will still need to be paid while we juggle life.

There is also a significant risk that Harrison may not breathe independently after surgery. If this happens, it will mean additional time in hospital as he and the medical team adjust to new respiratory support and a different way of managing daily life.

In two weeks we will travel to meet with the surgeon to review Harrison’s MRI results and discuss the plan and timing for the operation.

Funds raised through this page will help cover the out-of-pocket costs of supporting Harrison during his hospital stay and recovery.

Harrison is also holding onto a goal for after surgery — a getaway and a change of scenery once he is well enough. Having something positive to look forward to is helping him stay focused and brave as he prepares for this big step.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting Harrison and walking beside our family during this time. Every message, share, and contribution means more than you know.