Lian is mobile

Lian van Eyk (1), who was diagnosed with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy type 2B in January, is more mobile since he recently received his gait trainer.

One of his major obstacles remains mobility, but at the moment he can stand assisted for short periods if he wears his orthotic shoes that are custom made, but he is still not able to walk or crawl.

He recently received his gait trainer, a special device that will assist in teaching him to walk.

“Lian still attends physiotherapy once a week to help maintain as much muscle strength as possible and to focus on getting him more mobile with the gait trainer.

Lian’s father, Doné, has also built him his own “wheelchair” from a Bumbo Baby seat with bicycle wheels which enables him to move around quicker.

His mother Hanti says he is talkative and smart.

“The past few months were tough as we saw our child miss milestones and struggled to perform daily tasks we take for granted,” she says.

The toddler has adapted to the challenges and difficulties he faces on a daily basis and has learned to do things in his own way.

Hanti says they have learned a lot from his will to move forward in life no matter what the circumstances are.

September is Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month and to create awareness of the rare disease, they invite the community to be part of the Parkrun team at the intersection of Paul Kruger Highway and Cloverfield Road at 8am on Saturday.

“The plan is to have a 5km run or walk and entry is free, but we would like participants to wear anything green during the run,” says Hanti.

Muscular Dystrophy is a group of rare inherited genetic disorders that affect the muscles.

The main characteristic of the disorder is the progressive loss of muscle which leads to muscle weakness.

In time muscles are replaced by fat and scar tissue and therefore many individuals eventually lose the ability to walk and become completely reliant on wheelchairs.

The onset of the disease can start at any age, from birth to elderly individuals.