Family with health issues seeking help so they can go on vacation

Father, daughter have genetic disorder; they need taxi vouchers, math tutoring.

Tim Farrell looks forward to the day he takes his family on a vacation.

Farrell talks about visiting family in Kentucky. His wife, Suzanne, said her dream is to go to a beach. Daughter Aubrey has voiced her vote for Disney World.

The location isn’t that important. Farrell’s heath has kept the family from making travel plans during Suzanne and Tim Farrell’s 10 years of marriage.

Tim has Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder of the connective tissue.

People with the syndrome tend to be unusually tall, with long limbs and long, thin fingers.

Aubrey, 9, was diagnosed with Marfan three years ago. At 4-foot-11 and 51 pounds, she is not permitted to do some exercises and likely will require major heart surgery by the time she is 18.

The Farrells are part of the Austin American-Statesman’s Season for Caring program, which highlights the needs of 12 featured families and helps hundreds of others just like them through area nonprofit agencies. The Farrells were nominated by Wonders & Worries.

The Farrells’ challenge is to be prepared at all times for possible health setbacks. Tim Farrell is not allowed to drive a car until he has more strength, which he hopes is soon. For more information on Season for Caring, call 445-3590 or email

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Tim Farrell and his daughter, Aubrey, choose a book to read in their home. The two have Marfan syndrome. Aubrey, 9, likely will need heart surgery by the time she is 18.