Watch: ‘Community Chest Fund Is Our Second Family’, Says Father Of Maltese Boy With Genetic Disease
In a sit-down interview with Keith Demicoli, Malcolm Cutajar, father to Nick, expresses how in times of need the Community Chest Fund has helped his family in every possible way.
Nick was diagnosed with DiGeorge Syndrome which is a genetic disorder present from birth that can cause lifelong health issues.
DiGeorge Syndrome is an immunodeficiency, meaning that most will be prone to infections and illnesses due to the lack of a good immune system.
”The first four years were extremely difficult, we had to go up to the UK many times for both treatments and operations, not knowing when we’d come back… knowing we’re leaving behind our two other children in Malta with our parents,” Cutajar said during the interview.
The appreciative father continued to express his gratitude for the Malta Community Chest Fund which he thinks of as a “second family”.
He said that whenever the family needed anything, the MCCF was always there for them. Their emotional and psychological help was vital through such hard periods, and at certain times more important than the funding they were given.
During the four months the family spent in the UK, the MCCF helped in accommodating the parents whilst Nick was held at the hospital.
”For almost four months, I’d wake up and go to the hospital every day, instead of going to work.”
”Thankfully, the doctors we have in Malta were aware of a procedure in the UK… in fact Nick is the first and only Maltese boy, as far as we know, who received a transplant of the thymus gland… we’ve had good results, he can now attend school and enjoy other activities.”
When asked about the biggest lesson they’ve taken from it all, Cutajar answered “live day by day and don’t give up”.
L-Istrina 2022 is happening today and the father encouraged everyone to donate even if it is a small amount – ”you’ll never know when you’d need it.”
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