Save Our Sons gets Shorters’ shout out

Travel plans: Belinda and Leigh Shorter with Hudson, Sofia, Will, and Max. They’re looking forward to visiting Cape York before Max’s mobility declines further. Photo: SUPPLIED

PARENTS, Belinda and Leigh Shorter are encouraging the community to support the Duchenne Foundation, Save Our Sons, and grab the attention of the Federal Government.

Their sons, Max, Will and Hudson all live with genetic disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy which impacts strength and mobility, and can put children in a wheelchair by the age of 10.

“We just want to raise as much awareness as we can to get the government to listen, and get funding for drug trials for the boys, because it’s classed as a rare disease and not much funding goes towards it,” Mrs Shorter said.

“We take it day by day. We’re not going to let this ruin our lives, but when the three boys will all be in a wheelchair, that will be a challenge.

“The more people’s attention we can get, the better.”

Save Our Sons employs nurses who help run drug trials in hospitals, and are advocates for research.

“There’s no funding for these nurses outside of Save Our Sons. The foundation provides equipment, funding standing wheelchairs. They also have swim scooters that they donate to families,” Mrs Shorter said.

The family have made likeminded, lifelong friends through the Foundation, attending get-togethers and information seminars, and offering mutual support.

“It’s been nice to connect with others going through a similar situation. It’s such a new world, I don’t think we could cope on our own.

“We’ve all become very close. The boys have made friends with other boys with Duchenne’s. It’s nice to have someone to talk through who’s also going through it, and they understand,” Mrs Shorter said.

The family also has three National Disability Insurance Scheme plans which have helped them access therapies that otherwise wouldn’t have been within reach.

“Now the boys get physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychology.

“They have all the equipment and supports they need now and into the future as they continue to grow,” Mrs Shorter said.

“Without the NDIS we would never have been able to afford all of this.”

Visit saveoursons.org.au.