The family of Dr Lance O'Sullivan has received devastating news of their youngest son Lance being diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Today also marks world awareness of this lethal genetic condition.
A shock diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy for Lance and Tracey O'Sullivan's youngest child. It's a devastating and cruel irony for their family.
Dr Lance O'Sullivan says, “It affects the muscles of the affected children. At the moment, he struggles to run long distances or jump around at times and he gets very tired.
In recent days, I've been asking, why has this happened? It's my job to address the health of our children but that's it! We're angry and sad. We've done a lot of crying but of utmost importance now is supporting our son.”
There are approximately 60 children in New Zealand suffering from the condition. The majority are boys.
Initially, they lose the use of their legs and then their arms and later on they suffer from lung and heart complications.
But this is a doctor who has spent his career advocating for child health and now he intends on providing leadership on this issue.
Dr Lance O'Sullivan says, “To date, I've battled not for myself or my own family. It wasn't about my family. But now this fight is for my family and for our son and affected children like him.”