'Will you help save William's life?' - GoFundMe set up for young Kilkenny boy with genetic disorder

A GoFundMe page has been raising donations for a young Kilkenny boy with a genetic disorder to get life-saving treatment in the US.

Parents of four-year-old William have pleaded with people to donate for the their sons treatment that costs a whopping $3.7m USD.

The family have already received over €24,000 in donations with a goal of €200,000.

The statement on the GoFundMe page reads,

"To everyone who can help to save our son William’s life.

"I’m writing to share some bad news about our son, William. After several tests and consultations, we have received the devastating diagnosis that our son has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

"DMD is a genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and deterioration. Over time, the muscles in his body will weaken, and we have been told that William will likely need a wheelchair by the age of 8. Sadly, DMD is a condition that will significantly shorten his life.

"While we don’t know exactly how the disease will progress, most boys with DMD live into their twenties or early thirties.

"It is, of course, heartbreaking for us, to have to accept that there is no treatment available in Ireland to stop this disease and save his life.

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"We have spent many nights on the internet, in the desperate hope of trying to find if there is a treatment available anywhere in the world that could save Williams's life.

"In the course of our research, we have discovered that there is a procedure called GENE THERAPY ELEVIDYS, and it is available at Boston Children’s Hospital, a Harvard teaching hospital.

"We contacted the Boston Children's Hospital immediately. We registered William’s details and uploaded all the results from the specialist’s team here in Ireland so that they could review his case, and contact us if William is eligible to receive the gene therapy with ELEVIDYS. After a few hours we got the answer, we have been praying for

"WILLIAM IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE ELEVIDYS at Boston Children's Hospital.

"Unfortunately, to receive this treatment we must submit 100% of the estimated fee in advance, as a deposit. The price unfortunately is Astronomical – 3.7 million USD plus additional fees possible needs after the treatment.

"We are just an ordinary family, with ordinary resources, and as such we are desperately appealing for your help in raising this money. If you can help, we beg you to please do, no amount is too small as every penny collected will help to save Willaims life.

"PLEASE HELP by donating now and also please spread the word to everyone you know. PLEASE HELP.

"Thank you all who decide to donate or share Williams Story

"Sarka & Antonio, Veronika & Philip, Pavlina & Lukas and the rest of our family."