Help André with his daily battle against medical bills, living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

André needs help with funding of some of his medical bills, and because he is permanently dependent on his ventilator, he needs to pay bills that consist not only of his medical bills but the bills surrounding the services and recon of the equipment that help to keep him alive and going about his day-to-day activities.

A short Bio of Andre Bothma

Andre was born on 5 January 1992, he was a normal active young boy, until the age of 5, when his parents realized that he was struggling to climb stairs, run and even to walk.

His parents were referred, by the pediatrician, to go see a neurologist, where his parents were told that he has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, that only occurs in 1 out of every 3500 boys. It was like a death sentence to his parents to hear that he wil not survive past the age of 14.

By the time he was 9 years old, he was permanently wheelchair bound and when he turned 14, he was sent to the hospital with a lung infection, only to realize on day 2 in the ICU that his lungs had collapsed and they had to do an emergency operation to give him a trachea. That meant he will be on a ventilator for the rest of his life to help him breathe.

After 3 months in ICU and a intense battle with his medical aid, he was finally allowed to go home.

It was a huge adjustment for André to be back at home, seeing he had to have 24/7 assistance just to function to the best of his ability (taking in consideration that he can't use any of his limbs anymore). But he does have two wonderful full-time nurses with him now.

He recently received an eyegaze, that helps him to use his computer, by only using his eyes. With this amazing technology and and his passion for life he has already received a certificate in the art of graphic designing.

Unfortunately, his medical bills are very high and his medical aid does not always pay for all of his medical bills or provide him with his basic day-to-day medical financial needs. His friends and family helps a lot with fundraising but unfortunately, that does not always add up to what he truly needs for his future well-being.

André has not given up hope, and his illness has not even come close to define the person that he is today. He goes to the movies, restaurants, live events and really anywhere his heart desires. Sometimes we think he is the one keeping us from growing old.

He is a true role model for all of us and he reminds us of all the things we should be grateful for everyday. André is turning 28 in January and is still GOING strong!

So please help us by donating to André's fund, so that we can help him to live his best life, without worrying about the what IF's in life.