After over 18 months of uncertainty and a rollercoaster of emotions for the Wilson family starting from the day of Valentino’s birth, genetic testing confirmed their youngest child is suffering from a severe and rare mitochondrial depletion syndrome called Leigh’s disease.
This genetic neurological disorder is characterised by a progressive loss of mental and movement abilities and typically results in death within 2 to 3 years.
Valentino is currently 2 years old and has undergone 22 anaesthetics and 7 major operations to date.
Valentino was named before he was born and little did his parents know that he would live up to the meaning of his aptly chosen name which means a stout-hearted, boldly courageous and valiant soldier.
Brave Valentino is living on borrowed time. We are raising funds to help the Wilson family create an environment within their country home in Teesdale, Victoria which Valentino can enjoy and the family can create lasting memories in.
Some words from Valentino's mother Jade and number 1 fan:
"I have watched my son gasp for air and turn as blue as the sky, I have watched our nation's best professionals resuscitate him, bringing him back to life.
Valentino survived for 9 months in my belly with breathing obstructions and an incomplete digestive system, one kidney, a neurogenic bladder, cleft palate, small jaw, brain atrophy, deformed toes, holes in his heart, severe hearing loss, optic nerve swelling and an incomplete spine.
Valentino is living on borrowed time. He will slowly loose his ability to see me, to hear the sound of my voice, he won't be able to use his little chest to cough up his dinner, his vital organs will not know how to work as his brain is more and more damaged by the disease.
Valentino has shown us the true beauty of life and just how easily it can be taken from us. He has grown into the best baby brother to Raphael (6 years old ) and Aria (3 years old). This is our new normal and it is not OK but I am proud of my husband and I for getting through this traumatic time. We are resilient."
Angels are sent to us here on earth as beacons of love and light. Understandably, as earthly beings we want to hold onto them forever. Although this is not always the case. A true Angel incarnates for as long as is required for the messages of unconditional love and genuine acceptance to infiltrate deep into our hearts and minds. To remind us of who we really are.
Valentino is a genuine representation of timely Angelic existence.
Only those who are of incredibly strong heart and mind are gifted with such timed Angelic presence.
A special thank you to Hailey Skilbeck, Valentino's carer for initiating fundraising efforts for the Wilson family. Your support to the family is greatly appreciated!
