‘Every Birthday Is Bittersweet’: As Young Thiago Turns Four, Family’s Plea Intensifies Ahead Of One-Year Treatment Deadline
What was meant to be a moment of celebration quickly turned bittersweet for the family of four-year-old Thiago, whose family now has only one year left to raise millions for essential medical treatment.
“At just four years old, he’s battling Duchenne muscular dystrophy,” Thiago’s family wrote on Wednesday. Every birthday is bittersweet, reminding us of the race against time. We need 3.2 million dollars for his treatment before he turns 5, and becomes ineligible.”
“It breaks my heart to say that this is the cost of Thiago’s life.”
Genetic tests confirmed the type of Muscular Dystrophy which affects Thiago, which is that of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a genetic disorder that gradually weakens the body’s muscles.
If not treated, the disease can leave patients wheelchair-bound and can also shorten their lifespan.
It is for this reason Thiago’s family has created the Thiago’s Journey page, to raise funds for the little boy’s treatment.
Several events have been organised in aid of the cause, such as an Easter egg hunt by the Marsaxlokk Local Council, the Birgu Boċċi Club dinner, the Regatta fund-raising event and more.
The next event is being held tomorrow, 27th April, to celebrate Thiago’s fourth birthday.
Organised at De La Salle College, the celebration will host football games, plant potting, sand painting and more activities for the whole family, all open to everyone, and with free entrance.
The money raised from the activities and food sold will be used to fund Thiago’s treatment.
“Please, donate anything you can to bring Thiago closer to the therapy he needs,” Wednesday’s heartbreaking post showing scenes from Thiago’s special day read. “Thiago, we are with you in the good times and the bad times!”
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