CATHERINE Boyer was moved to tears when the organisers of a community event said they wanted to help her family.
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In the past two years she has welcomed a third child into the world and learned that her second child, Edward, was one of about 100 people worldwide with a rare genetic condition.
KIF1A is a neurodegenerative disorder.
Edward’s cognition and eyesight are affected and he has never been able to walk independently, at almost seven years of age.
Catherine said much of the path ahead for her son was unknown.
“We don’t know what’s going to go first and we don’t know how,” she said.
“We just take one day at a time. We don’t think it’s worth dwelling on the negative.”
The family is doing everything in its power to provide for Edward and his siblings, aged 9 and 2 years.
But there are things Catherine said she and her husband Gary would like to have in place that are presently beyond their means.
The family is likely to need additional equipment to provide for Edward in future.
Catherine and Gary are also contemplating whether it will be necessary to move house or renovate to best meet the family’s needs as their children grow.
The Boyers have also identified funding for KIF1A research as a priority.
The Tweed Sutherland First National car park will be transformed into a market for second-hand goods from 10am – 1pm on Saturday as Coins for our Community seeks to help Edward and his family.
Expect to see racks of pre-loved clothing and tables of bric-a-brac out the back of 52 Mitchell Street, Bendigo. There will also be a barbecue.
Catherine said she was grateful to the event’s organisers for their support.
For more about Edward’s Journey visit the Facebook page.
To support KIF1A kids, visit donorbox.org/support-treatment-for-kif1a-kids