(Taken from Messenger Newspaper 29/9/10)
AARON Merritt knew there was something different about his son Noah just two days after he was born. “We noticed a fuzz in his eye when he first opened his eyes,” Mr Merritt, of Valley View, says. “We had no idea what it was and I suppose we just felt helpless at the time.” Noah, who was born eight weeks premature, was later diagnosed with Peter’s Anomaly, a rare congenital disorder which causes blurred vision. Now 18-months-old, Noah was recently diagnosed with Peter’s Plus an even rarer form of the condition which can lead to stunted growth and facial deformities. “From what we understand there is about 70 cases of Peter’s Plus in the world and we are the only one in Australia,” Mr Merritt says. Despite the setback, Noah’s fighting spirit has seen him overcome daily challenges and three hospital visits a month. Mr Merritt says the support of charity CanDo4Kids has helped the family cope. Volunteers from the organisation, which supports families of deaf, blind and sensory-impaired children, attend medical appointments with the Merritts and visit their home each month. The organisation also runs playgroups, where Noah can mix with other sensory-impaired children. “It’s an extra person and an extra support network for us,” Mr Merritt said. “You can’t put a value on the services they provide.” Next month, Mr Merritt will form the Wombats team for the CanDo Caper, along with his father Geoff, uncle Paul and his mum’s brother-in-law Mike Edmondson. The annual event raises money for charity and will see 30 teams take on activities based on aifThe Amazing Race aif TV show. The Wombats raised $4000 for the fund last year, completing line dancing, kayaking and go-karting challenges. Mr Merritt hopes to top that effort when the event is held at secret locations across Adelaide on Friday, October 15, and Saturday, October 16. “It feels like a way of giving back because we get so much from them.” To donate to the Wombats, visit www.candocaper.com.au.
http://leader-messenger.whereilive.com.au/news/story/wombats-join-caper-for-kids/
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