By Steph McNicol
WANDONG resident Travis McCarty will embark on a 100-kilometre journey in 24 hours to raise money for a family facing medical struggles.
The Woronka family – parents Rebekah and Nick, seven-year-old twin boys Riley and Cooper and two-year-old Logan – have been fighting Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) after all three boys were diagnosed with the disease.
DMD primarily affects boys and causes muscle weakness which only increases over time – muscle loss ensues and worsens quickly.
Trouble standing up occurs rapidly, which means extra support to walk is needed.
Mr McCarty said he saw the family’s story on the news, and it saddened him and touched his heart.
“All I could think about was the heartbreak for Bek and Nick. My initial thoughts were that life can be so cruel and how unfair it is for them and the boys,” he said.
“I am a father of four beautiful girls and this story hit home in a sense that I couldn’t imagine what this family is going through,” he said.
“This is the inaugural Walk for Woronka Boys event with the intention of continuing to fundraise for their ongoing medical costs each year to assist this beautiful family in the difficult times ahead.
“It costs around $60,000 a year to care for someone who has DMD, [Rebekah and Nick] are beginning the heartbreaking nightmare of trying to manage both the finances and mental strain associated with this.
“Over time, the family will face many challenges with not only the medical cost, but also having to purchase and maintain wheelchairs, potential house renovations and other issues that may potentially arise.”
On December 12 Mr McCarty will walk from Craigieburn to Point Cook where the family lives, to fundraise for wheelchairs for the boys.
“A GoFundMe page has been established to help raise money to assist this beautiful family in the difficult times,” he said.
“We are encouraging businesses and companies to jump onboard and support our cause if possible.
“Our non-profit fundraising event is advertised on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.”
