Hello,

My name is Nikolina, I am a mother of Georgi, a sunny, smart and smiling 8 years old boy. Georgi dreams of things that for many children are ordinary - to walk, to run, to play, to live without pain.

George was born in Cyprus by caesarean section, a visibly healthy baby weighing 3 kg. At one year and three months he took his first steps, but his gait was unsteady. At the age of 6-7 months he started to pronounce the first syllables, but then his speech development slowed down only after the age of 3 he said his first words, and he started to build complete sentences only after the age of 4.

After a consultation with a paediatrician in Cyprus, we were assured that boys develop more slowly and found no cause for concern. But as Zhorko grew older, the problems started to become more apparent.

After we came back to Bulgaria, we consulted specialists about his delayed development. They diagnosed him with mild mental retardation. Georgi started working with a resource teacher, attending the Community Support Centre, a psychologist and a speech therapist. He did not learn to ride a bike until he was 6 years old.

The real concern came after the age of 7 when we began to notice a change in his gait. He began to tire quickly, had difficulty climbing stairs, and found it increasingly difficult to stand up. After multiple checkups, he was given the severe diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic disorder that gradually weakens the muscles and leads to severe motor difficulties.

To have a chance of adequate treatment abroad, George needs support both financially and morally. As a mother, I believe there are still good people with big hearts who will respond. I hope my child's story reaches you as it has touched so many others.

Together, we can make his dream of walking, running, playing and being a child, pain free, come true.

Do not pass this story by with indifference. Be empathetic. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

With love and gratitude,
Mom Nikolina