Family seeks to fund breakthrough overseas treatment

Topics: cerebral palsy, disabled children, fundraising, tiaro

A TIARO family is launching a fundraising blitz to transform the life of their disabled son, hoping to access breakthrough treatment in the United States of America.

Ryder Sweetnam is five years old, enjoys a good tickle, a dip in the pool and has a spirit burning so brightly it charms those he meets.

But life hasn't been easy for little Ryder. He was born with calcifications on the brain, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and vision impairment. He cannot walk and talk like other children his age.

Ryder's family, parents Janene and Darren and brother Rhett, 9, hope to raise $30,000 by Christmas to send him to the US for cutting-edge treatment at the NAPA Treatment Center.

The NAPA Treatment Center offers intensive therapy and is potentially life-changing.

New technology that would be accessible as a result of a trip abroad includes the Therasuit, helping the brain and body reconnect through nerve stimuli placed within the suit.

Mrs Sweetnam was visiting Australia Zoo yesterday for a family day out after another battery of hospital visits and medical appointments in Brisbane. Ryder successfully had had surgery on his hips to improve his mobility.

"It's a special day for us as a family," Ms Sweetnam said.

The weather obliged yesterday with the family of four keen to explore Australia Zoo when Ms Sweetnam spoke with The Gympie Times.

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Family seeks to fund breakthrough overseas treatment