Annelie is 13 years old and suffers from Cerebal Palsey¹. Her wish was for a software package. Cost of the software was $880.00
¹(a non-progressive, non-contagious condition that causes physical disability in human development)
Ben is ten years old and is physically and mentally handicapped and loves the water. Dr Carolyn West recommended Ben would benefit from water therapy. The Genies arranged for a heated swimming pool at a cost of $12,000 dollars
The Cachia family have 3 children all suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy¹. When their van broke down, two of the children were unable to attend school. The genies paid the repairer $5,000 for a new gearbox.
¹Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a genetic cause and the manifestation of weakness due to loss of the motor neurons of the spinal cord and brainstem.
Clarke suffers from Moderate Development Delay Siezure Disorder¹. His wish was to access the world better via a Swifty Chair. The Genies provided the Swifty + accessories for $2,790.00
¹DEVELOPMENTAL delay — intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and speech and language delay — occurs in up to 5% of children under age five.
David is 16 yrs old and suffers from Cerebal Palsey¹. David’s simple wish was for Laptop computer which will enable him to communicate with the world.
¹(a non-progressive, non-contagious condition that causes physical disability in human development)
Dominic is 2 yrs old and suffers from Idic Syndrome¹ and severe development delay. His wish was for a Bath-aid and special chair. The cost of this specialised equipment was $8,495.00
¹Iindividuals with idic(15) have delays in language development and motor skills such as walking or sitting up. Other traits may include low muscle tone (hypotonia), seizures, short stature, and mental retardation.
Giuseppina is 7 yrs old and suffers from Infantile Spasms¹, cortical vision impairment² and global delay³. Giuseppina wished to be able to communicate easier with her world. The Genies provided an iTalk2 communicator + software. $463.00
¹Infantile spasm (IS) is a specific type of seizure seen in an epilepsy syndrome of infancy and early childhood known as West Syndrome. The onset is predominantly in the first year of life, typically between 3-6 months. The typical pattern of IS is a sudden bending forward and stiffening of the body, arms, and legs; although there can also be arching of the torso.
²Cortical Vision Impairment (CVI) affects the visual cortex or visual tracts in the brain. Visual processing and interpretation as well as discrimination/acuity are affected
³Global Developmental Delay implies that the child has delays in all areas of development.
Heather is eleven years old who has Spina Bifida¹ and confined to her wheelchair. Heather wished for a television and playstation. The Genies raised $700 from our own contributions to fund this wish.
¹developmental birth defect involving the neural tube: incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube results in an incompletely formed spinal cord. An individual with this condition will have dysfunction of the spinal cord and associated nerves from the point of the open defect and below.
Holly is 5yrs old and suffers from Arthrogryposis¹ The Nurmi walking aid has a strong, but flexible frame that’s designed to promote movement and natural gait. The Nurmi walking frame was purchased by the Genies for $2,188.
¹Arthrogryposis, also known as Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, is a rare congenital disorder that causes multiple joint contractures and can include muscle weakness andfibrosis. It is a non-progressive disease.
Ismail is 4 yrs old and suffers from Proteus Syndrome. Ismail’s feet have grown large and need special shoes to wear. Genies arranged to have these shoes made at a cost of $1,890. Proteus syndrome is a congenital disorder that causes skin overgrowth and atypical bone development, often accompanied by tumors over half the body. Since Dr. Michael Cohen identified it in 1979,[1] only a few more than 200 cases have been confirmed worldwide, with estimates that about 120 people are currently alive with the condition.
Janet, just 6 years old, suffers from Cerebal Palsey¹. Her wish is for a “Gizmo Tilt Wheelchair”. The Genies raised $6,099 for this chair.
¹ (a non-progressive, non-contagious condition that causes physical disability in human development)
Jasmine from North Parramatta was the Genies first wish. Jasmine suffers from a disease called Sturges-Weber Syndrome¹ and other ailments. The Australian Genies purchased a hospital type bed for Jasmine. Cost of the bed was $3,500.
¹Sturge-Weber syndrome, sometimes referred to as encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis, is a rare congenital neurological and skin disorder. It is one of the phakomatoses, and is often associated with port-wine stains of the face, glaucoma, seizures, mental retardation, and ipsilateral leptomeningeal angioma.
Jenny is 2 yrs old and suffers from Cerebal Palsey¹. Jenny is unable to sit unaided so as well as the stroller the Genies also provided a bath-aid. Total cost of these items was $5,500
¹(a non-progressive, non-contagious condition that causes physical disability in human development)
Jessica is thirteen years old with a disease called Lissencephaly¹. The Australian Genies worked in partnership with Westmead Childrens’ Hospital to supply Jessica with her new wheelchair. We contributed $5,618 dollars, Westmead Children’s Hospital paid $4,596 dollars.
¹Lissencephaly, which literally means smooth brain, is a rare brain formation disorder caused by defective neuronal migration during the 12th to 24th weeks of gestation, resulting in a lack of development of brain folds and grooves. Children with lissencephaly are severely neurologically impaired and often die within several months of birth
Joe is 6 yrs old and suffers from Hypoxic Brain Injury¹ His wish was to communicate better with the outside world via the computer and internet. The Genies supplied software and hardware to make this easier, cost was $327.00.
¹Hypoxic brain injury or cerebral hypoxia is a condition that refers to a severe decrease of oxygen supplied to the brain, even though there is sufficient blood flow. The diminished oxygen supply can cause serious impairments in cognitive skills, as well as in physical, psychological and other functions.
Cassandra wished for a special bed for her son. Joshua has Cerebral Palsy¹ and needed an electonically controlled bed that was recommended by an occupational therapist. The bed made Joshuas’ sleeping more comfortable. It made life easier for Joshua’s mother to lift him in and out of his bed. The bed cost $4,625 dollars and included a special latex mattress.
¹(a non-progressive, non-contagious condition that causes physical disability in human development)
Carrene School in Bathurst asked for a wish of a hydraulic lifter for the Kemp’s family van. Will, aged six, looks a lot older in size and is growing at a faster rate than normal children. The van that takes Will to school and medical appointments had heavy pull out ramps and he had to be pushed into the van. The hydraulic lift cost of $7,500 dollars.
The Penrith Branch of the Spastic Centre nominated Majtaba, 17 years old. He has Cerebral Palsy¹ with limited use of the arms to push himself around in his normal wheelchair. Genies purchased a powered wheel chair at a cost of $8,600 dollars.
¹(a non-progressive, non-contagious condition that causes physical disability in human development)
Melanie is 12 years old and amongst other ailments suffers from a speech problem. Melanies wish was for Communication Equipment to help with her problem. Genies granted this wish at a cost of $480.00.
Michael suffers from Microcephaly¹ and Cerebral Palsy². Michael is 6 years old. The family were paying off a van that they purchased to transport Michael. The genies paid off the van for $5,500 dollars.
¹Microcephaly is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which the circumference of the head is more than two standard deviations smaller than average for the person's age and sex. Microcephaly may be congenital or it may develop in the first few years of life. The disorder may stem from a wide variety of conditions that cause abnormal growth of the brain, or from syndromes associated with chromosomal abnormalities.
²(a non-progressive, non-contagious condition that causes physical disability in human development)
His name means “Lean on God”. Olwatofarati suffers from Cerebal Palsy¹, Spastic quadriplegia², is hearing impaired and only 8yrs old. His wish was for a lightweight chair so he could be moved around with less effort. The Genies provided the chair at a cost of $2,658.00
¹ Quadriplegia is a type of cerebral palsy in which all four limbs are affected. It is usually accompanied by more severe symptoms of nerve damage interfering with normal muscle movement than the other types. Eating and breathing can be affected by the lack of muscle control or the inability of muscles to work together in the normal patterns or rhythms of tightening and relaxing.
Reece is only 2 years old and suffers from Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy¹. Reece also suffers from significant blindness and physio has advised that Reece will never be able to sit on his own and will always be dependant on his mother. Reece wished for a special stroller and bath-aid. Genies provided the equipment at a cost of $ 6,500.
¹Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: Damage to cells in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) from inadequate oxygen. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy allegedly may cause in death in the newborn period or result in what is later recognized as developmental delay, mental retardation, or cerebral palsy.
Sarah Jane is eight years old and unable to walk unaided with little control of her legs. Her mother Lorraine Russell wished for a walker for her daughter. The Australian Genies brought her a “Meywalk 2000” at a cost of $3,620 dollars.
Zara is 2 yrs old and suffers from Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy¹ Zara wished for a “Outstander” standing/walking frame. Cost of the frame was $2,495.00
¹Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: Damage to cells in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) from inadequate oxygen. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy allegedly may cause in death in the newborn period or result in what is later recognized as developmental delay, mental retardation, or cerebral palsy.
Zoe is four years old and has diabetes¹. She has four injections of insulin each day, and many pricks of her finger to test her sugar level. Zoe’s wish to check her blood sugar levels was granted. The monitor cost $8,500.
¹Diabetes develops due to a diminished production of insulin (in type 1) or resistance to its effects. Serious long-term complications include cardiovascular disease (doubled risk), chronic renal failure, retinal damage (which can lead to blindness), nerve damage (of several kinds), and microvascular damage, which may cause impotence and poor wound healing.
Andrew has glycogen storage disorder and Giant Cell Epulis of the anterior mandible (type of tumor)
Glycogen storage disease (GSD) is a group of inherited (born with) disorders where an abnormal amount or type of glycogen is stored in the liver. It occurs as a result of the liver's failure to regulate the metabolism of glycogen and glucose. Glycogen storage disease occurs when an enzyme (proteins produced by the body) which regulates conversion of sugar (glucose) into its storage form (glycogen) or release if glucose from glycogen is missing.
Andrews wish was for a walking frame with a special tray. Cost $2275.00
Anna has Global development delay, seizure disorder, limb spacity.
Developmental delay refers to when a child's development lags behind established normal ranges for his or her age.
We provided her with a Nimo Walker cost $740
Brendan has Ataxic Cerebral Palsy.
Ataxia cerebral palsy refers to poor postural balance and difficulty coordinating movement. Therefore people with ataxic cerebral palsy may present as unsteady or may have tremors or shaky movements of the limbs.
Brendans wish is for a special suit ( second skin) which will enable him to walk. Cost $1985
Ethan F has Autism and intellectually disabled
autism, is a spectrum of psychological conditions characterized by widespread abnormalities of social interactions and communication, as well as severely restricted interests and highly repetitive behavior
The Genies provided Ethan with a trampoline cost $823
Ethan M has Spina Bifida
Spina bifida (Latin: "split spine") is a developmental birth defect involving the neural tube: incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube results in an incompletely formed spinal cord. In addition, the vertebrae overlying the open portion of the spinal cord may not fully form and remain unfused and open.
Ethans wish was for a light weight wheel chair cost $3300.00
Guy has Spina bifida.
Spina bifida (Latin: "split spine") is a developmental birth defect involving the neural tube: incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube results in an incompletely formed spinal cord. In addition, the vertebrae overlying the open portion of the spinal cord may not fully form and remain unfused and open.
We provided Guy with a computer system to help with his school studies cost $2200
Isa has Severe Global development delay and epilepsy
Developmental delay refers to when a child's development lags behind established normal ranges for his or her age.
Provided a vehicle so can be transported to hospitals etc ($9800)
Isabella has spina bifida and very poor vision (due to Spina Bifida)
Spina bifida (Latin: "split spine") is a developmental birth defect involving the neural tube: incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube results in an incompletely formed spinal cord. In addition, the vertebrae overlying the open portion of the spinal cord may not fully form and remain unfused and open.
The Genies provided with a wheel chair cost $4500
Jackson has severe autism
autism, is a spectrum of psychological conditions characterized by widespread abnormalities of social interactions and communication, as well as severely restricted interests and highly repetitive behavior
Jackson loved the water and could not get enough, we provided him with an above ground pool and deck cost $11,000
Katelyn has Cardio-velo facial syndrome
Velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS) is a genetic syndrome. It is the result of a submicroscopic deletion on the long arm of Chromosome 22 in the “q11” region- deletion 22q11. The name velo cardio facial syndrome comes from the Latin words "velum" meaning palate, "cardio" meaning heart and "facies" having to do with the face.
We provided Katelyn with a cubby house with climbing rope and slippery dip to aid in her neuro motive skills.Cost $ 2200
Kimberly has Spina Bifida.
Spina bifida (Latin: "split spine") is a developmental birth defect involving the neural tube: incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube results in an incompletely formed spinal cord. In addition, the vertebrae overlying the open portion of the spinal cord may not fully form and remain unfused and open.
Kimberley’s wish was to be able to drive. The Genies converted her vehicle to suit her disability and provided 10 driving lessons. Cost=$2500.00
Leila suffers from “severe neonatal encephalopathy, with severe global development delay, seizures, and bilateral mild optic atrophy
neonatal encephalopathy is defined clinically on the basis of a constellation of findings, including a combination of abnormal consciousness, tone and reflexes, feeding, respirations, or seizures, which can result from many conditions. It may or may not result in permanent neurologic impairment and is not necessarily caused by intrapartum asphyxia. However, the pathway from intrapartum hypoxic-ischemic injury to subsequent cerebral palsy must progress through neonatal encephalopathy. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is defined as neonatal encephalopathy with intrapartum hypoxia in the absence of any other abnormality
The Genies provided Leila with a specialised stroller with special seating costing $8610.00
Mathew has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe recessive X-linked form of muscular dystrophy characterized by rapid progression of muscle degeneration, eventually leading to loss of ambulation and death.
Matthew required a special mouse with trackball and some specialised software Cost $620
Michael B has Creatine transporter defiency
X-linked creatine transporter deficiency (medical condition): A rare inherited disorder characterized mainly by mental retardation, seizures, short stature and facial anomalies. The disorder is caused by the absence of a compound needed to transport creatine and thus creatine levels may be normal or high, but the body is unable to utilize it. Creatine is, and always has been, a natural component of skeletal muscle.
Michael’s wish was for a tree house with rope ladder and slippery dip this will help him to enhance his moto gross ability cost $2650
Moustaffa has Parkinsons disease and Neuronal intranuclear
Parkinson's disease (PD) belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders, which are the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. The four primary symptoms of PD are tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or slowness of movement; and postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination. Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder with a heterogeneous clinical picture characterized by the presence of eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions in neuronal and glial cells..
The Genies provided a computer system with specialised equipment to allow Mustaffa to communicate with his parents and friends.
Moustaffa has since passed away. He remains in our hearts. Cost = $9100
Nathan has Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy refers to a group of non-progressive, non-contagious conditions that cause physical disability and applies to the cerebrum in the brain and the disorder of movement.
Nathans wish was to modify the family vehicle so as to be able to transport him to school and to doctors Cost $6123.00
Omar has been diagnosed with “ Stargardt Disease”
Those with Stargardt disease are sensitive to glare; overcast days offer little relief. As the disease progresses, it can cause pain and diminishing sight. Vision is impaired first at the center, leaving peripheral vision intact. Symptoms usually appear before age 20. Symptoms include wavy vision, blind spots, blurriness, and difficulty adapting to dim lighting.[1]
Some patients are able to drive. Many patients use magnifiers to help them see, and wear sunglasses to slow the development.[2] Some doctors have recommended colored lenses that filter out wavelengths shorter than 600 nm; the light wavelengths that stimulate rod vision.
Omar has been declared legally blind his wish was for a computer system with extra large screen and print cost $2300
Ranon has Cri-Du-Chat syndrome
People who have cri-du-chat have very distinctive features. They may have a small head (microcephaly), an unusually round face, a small chin, widely set eyes, folds of skin over their eyes, and a small bridge of the nose.
Several problems occur inside the body, as well. A small number of children have heart defects, muscular or skeletal problems, hearing or sight problems, or poor muscle tone. As they grow, people with cri-du-chat usually have difficulty walking and talking correctly. They may have behavior problems (such as hyperactivity or aggression), and severe mental retardation. If no major organ defects or other critical medical conditions exist, life expectancy is normal.
Ranons wish was for an assessment and provision of a walking frame. Cost $847.00
Travis has Cerebral Palsy and spastic quadriplegia
Cerebral palsy refers to a group of non-progressive, non-contagious conditions that cause physical disability and applies to the cerebrum in the brain and the disorder of movement.
Travis wished for a leisure wheel chair. Cost $4050.00
