“OUR FIGHT TO HELP ZAVIER’S PLIGHT”

In February 2017 at just 6 months of age, Zavier began having seizures which were increasing in frequency, severity and types each day. He was placed in an induced coma and woken up two days later where he continued to endure 14 agonising days of increased seizures, blood tests and scans before he was finally diagnosed with a rare condition called Infantile Spasms (otherwise known as West Syndrome). West Syndrome is a condition that affects infants between 3 - 9 months of age. Overactive discharge develops in the brain and the brain responds by trying to 'shut down' the abnormal activity (hence the seizures). The seizures often come in clusters which can lead to inhibited cognitive and physical development because previous learning and development is forgotten when episodes occur. Life long epilepsy can also be a result. Often with West Syndrome an underlying cause can be found which can help with decisions on treatment and therapies sooner, but In Zavier’s case, the cause is still unknown. He was a healthy normal developing baby before this condition suddenly presented itself.

Zavier is now 19 months old. Although it has taken almost 12 months of trial and error of treatments and medications over numerous hospital stays, the overactive discharge in his brain has been significantly reduced through steroid treatments, and his seizures are now more controlled through daily medications. However, the condition has left him with visual and auditory processing disorder, physical development delay and severe epilepsy.  As a result, he has extremely underdeveloped language and communication skills, very poor fine motor skills and is not even able to sit up on his own yet, let alone crawl or walk. He is also still being subjected to regular hospital stays as his medications often need readjusting to treat and reduce periods of increased seizure activity.

As you can imagine,  Zavier has had a really tough start in life, but despite what he continues to endure, his personality grows bigger and more beautiful every day.  He's a little fighter! But he is also in desperate need of intense therapies to help 'boost' his overall development, and increase his chances for a better quality of life in the future. However time is of the essence (he's growing everyday), costs are high, and funding is very limited!! This is why Zavier’s family is seeking your help !! All money raised will be used to cover costs directly associated with ongoing therapy sessions and/or medications for Zavier. Basically,  the more money we can raise,  the more sessions of therapy he can have, which will ultimately lead to more positive and sustainable developmental outcomes.  It also will help with the costs of required medications to keep his siezures under control. So if you can help in any way whatsoever, it would be very much appreciated and Zavier and his family would be forever grateful!! We really need your help to fight Zaviers plight!! ❤