HOW YOU CAN HELP LITTLE FRANKIE
Thousands raised in online campaign
FRANKIE Utz was born seemingly healthy in early December last year, but eight days later he started having multiple seizures a day.
After many tests, it was discovered he had Polymicrogyria, a condition that affects the development of the human brain by multiple small gyri creating excessive folding of the brain leading to an abnormal cortex.
Now a GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with the costs of Frankie’s treatment.
FRANKIE Utz was born seemingly healthy in early December last year, but eight days later he started having multiple seizures.
“After undergoing investigations an MRI was done and the Utz family was given the heartbreaking news that his results were abnormal,” family friend Tiffany Gesler said.
“As the seizures increased he was flown to Queensland Children’s Hospital.
“Here, after looking at Lissencephaly they diagnosed Frankie with Polymicrogyria which is a condition that affects the development of the human brain by multiple small gyri creating excessive folding of the brain leading to an abnormal cortex.”
Ms Gesler said Frankie would continue to have seizures throughout his life.
“He may not have the ability to walk or even talk,” she said.
She and other friends launched a GoFundMe for the family, which has so far raised about $2000.
“Friends of the Utz family have made this fund to support any new financial changes that they will face taking care of baby Frankie and to function as a family unit,” she said.
“As you can imagine, looking after a new baby isn’t always smooth sailing let alone a baby with complex needs and baby Frankie will require a significant amount of care for his entire life. Time off work and ensuring Frankie’s sisters keep their usual routines will be important for the family’s wellbeing for the future.”
Frankie’s mother, Bonita Utz, said all the support meant a lot to the family.
“We’ve had some pretty rotten luck lately, but all of the love we have in our lives is enough to get us through it honestly,” Ms Utz said. “I hope everyone feels this supported and cared for when they truly need it.”
Donate at GoFundMe here: https://bit.ly/2tktqxN