Julian
Seattle, WA
Age 6
Pompe Disease
Julian is a kindergartener at Broadview Thomson Elementary School. He was born with Pompe Disease, which is a rare inherited neuromuscular disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and deterioration of a person’s health over time.
Due to Julian’s fatigued jaw muscles and difficulty swallowing, he can’t consume liquids and can only eat some foods by mouth. Pompe disease does not affect Julian’s cognitive ability, although he communicates mostly through an augmentative device.
Just recently, the family got a power wheelchair approved by insurance, however, this wheelchair lacks an elevation component that will help his mobility.
It is this specific equipment that will allow for more independence in Julian’s life, an independence that will help build confidence in his mobility through adolescence and into adulthood.
Julian will always be dependent on others to support him in some capacity, but the elevation component will have a lasting impact on his well-being and strength to keep fighting.
The ATI Foundation will provide financial assistance that will help pay for an elevation component for his new power wheelchair.