The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Blake’s ‘strength and fight’ in battle for life
survival: Fiveyear-old remains on a ventilator but he has ‘amazed’ medical staff
The mother of seriously ill Carnoustie boy Blake McMillan said he has surprised medical staff with his “strength and fight”.
The five-year-old was rushed into hospital last week after becoming dangerously unwell.
Blake suffers a genetic condition called MECP2 that causes a range of serious and life-threatening complications.
Doctors had to carry out emergency surgery to remove his bowel and then form a stoma so waste could be removed from his body.
Blake survived the operation but remains on life support in hospital.
His mum Jenny said he has surprised everyone with his resilience over the past week.
In a Facebook post she said there are still “battles ahead” but she hopes he will be taken off a ventilator soon.
She posted: “Just had a consultant come round that met Blake when he was here last time. She is amazed at his strength and fight.
“She is very pleased with his progress and although there are a few battles ahead, Blake continues to surprise us.”
In an earlier post she said: “My boy continues to improve.
“He is becoming much more awake, eyes opening, raising his eyebrows, moving shoulders and hands and mouth.
“He had a temperature this morning so bloods and swabs and urine have all been sent to test for infection.
“He is coming off his sedation and only receiving a small amount of morphine.
“He is trying to take some breaths himself so we are getting closer to extubation.”
Last year Blake had to undergo emergency surgery after his airway became blocked due to an issue with his feeding tube.
His condition is so rare there are thought to be only 1,000 or so sufferers in the world.
He cannot walk, talk or eat and requires constant care.
Jenny has raised tens of thousands of pounds in the hope of finding a cure for Blake’s debilitating condition.
His struggle, and Jenny’s efforts on his behalf, have earned the family thousands of admirers and well-wishers.
Jenny has been trying to raise £400,000 for research into MECP2. People can donate online at justgiving. com/fundraising/reversemecp2blake.
“She is amazed at his strength and fight. She is very pleased with his progress and although there are a few battles ahead, Blake continues to surprise us.