The boy from Linz suffers from an extremely rare genetic defect that causes his muscles to weaken and he is bedridden. Unfortunately, his life expectancy is very low and there are no treatments for his condition. His single mother does not want to give up hope that his childhood will be as pleasant and carefree as possible.
Eight-year-old Ben is actually a happy kid who likes to listen to music, play with plastic animals and want a keyboard for Christmas. But fate does not favor the boy from Linz and his mother Sabrina (35).
A terrible sword of Damocles hangs over Ben’s life. “He has an incurable disease that is extremely rare and affects less than 100 children in Austria,” says Sabrina. The name: “Duchenne muscular dystrophy” – a genetic defect that causes Ben’s muscles to shrink more and more. An insidious development that initially focuses on the musculoskeletal system and ends in complete bedridden. Finally, the heart muscle is also greatly weakened.
No treatments yet
Frightening: Ben’s life expectancy is extremely limited, at most 25 to 30 years. But the eight-year-old knows nothing about it. “He sometimes asks: Mom, why can’t I do that anymore? But I sincerely hope that one day a cure will be researched,” emphasizes Sabrina.
Disadvantaged and harassed
The 35-year-old takes good care of her son and wants to offer him a life as carefree and normal as possible. Because he has been bullied and mocked again and again since kindergarten for increasing shortcomings. “He couldn’t jump or run like other kids and was slower. I often had to comfort him when he was hurt. We’re also at the psychologist.”
Mom has to carry it and lift it
Unfortunately, the eight-year-old’s mobility is gradually declining. Despite weekly physical therapy, Ben needs more and more care. “He can no longer get up unaided and cannot take three steps alone.” The boy has a wheelchair at school, which his mother would also like to have at home. “We applied for one in June, but we still haven’t approved it,” says Sabrina, who, despite her small stature, has to constantly get her 40-pound son in and out of the car and up the stairs. “A conversion would cost 20,000 to 25,000 euros, which is unaffordable”, the mother sighs. But Ben would also need a bath lift, an exercise bike and a new rehab scooter. “He can sit on this and keep up with other kids. But his battery is so dead that I have to take him home.”
Financial worries
Financially, the situation of the single mother and mother of two – daughter Leonie is four – is anything but rosy. “Ben still needs to enjoy life as much as possible. But I don’t know how to handle all of that.”
donation account
If you want to help in this case, please donate under the Password “Ben” to our special “Krone” account at Hypo Oberösterreich:
IBAN: AT76 5400 0000 0040 0002B
BIC: OBLAAT2LD
The incoming donations are optionally also published by name in the print edition. However, if you wish to remain anonymous, we request that you explicitly state this in the “Target purpose” field.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
