Tomorrow George Koutsioufitis will embark on a challenging event, the Ironman 70.3 Geelong, which he is dedicating to our beloved patient and friend Lucas Timotheou. Lucas was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy several years ago after being referred to The Royal Children's Hospital after consulting George.
This life taking disease will strip Lucas of the ability to swim, ride his bike or run in his early teens. George has taken on the challenge to swim 1.9 km, cycle 90 km and run 21.1 km in under 8 hours. The fatigue and pain will be immense, but nothing compared to the daily discomfort Lucas has to endure due to the gradual muscle wasting and weakening associated with this condition. Sadly, Lucas' muscles will eventually fail him unless a cure is found.
George is hoping to raise funds to help Lucas' family purchase a specialised vehicle which will accommodate his power wheelchair. This will ensure that Lucas has access to the community and enjoys the best possible quality of life. George is hoping that raising funds will enable Lucas and his family to enjoy spending time together rather than having to focus on raiding funds themselves.
To all in a position to do so, please visit Lucas' GoFundMe page and donate. It would be very much appreciated!
George and Fairfield Podiatry will also support the Save Our Sons Duchenne Foundation Walk 4 Duchenne from February 28th to March 8th by providing foot care services. In Victoria, 32 walkers will walk 186 km over nine days. The walk will start in Geelong and finish at Lucas' primary school in Epping. The 2020 Walk 4 Duchenne aims to raise awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and its severity, raise vital funds to fund trials to ultimately find a cure as well as providing essential equipment and services to enhance quality of life.