Scottsdale five-year-old Xavier Kitchin needs specialist equipment and therapy services but without a diagnosis for his genetic condition he is ineligible for government funding.
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Mum Bec has paid tribute to the help of the broader community for its fundraising efforts in supporting the family.
Family friend Susanne Scott will shave her head at the end of the month to help raise funds for Xavier’s treatment.
She follows in the footsteps of three other family friends who did the same to show their support.
“I worked in special needs before I worked at Tyler Village and I know how hard it is for families, especially when there is no funding as such to help,” Ms Scott said.
Each Thursday from 9am, health and fitness instructor Martin O’Toole leads a walk from City Park to raise funds for the Kitchins.
City Park Radio promotes the walks.
“As a health and fitness instructor it immediately resonated with me that we need to do as much as we can to help,” Mr O’Toole said.
Mrs Kitchin said it had been overwhelming to watch the community step up to support the family.
Xavier battles congenital heart defects, hydronephrosis of the left kidney, hypothyroidism, significant global development delays requires oxygen when sleeping.
“Fundraising for Xavier has sort of been ongoing for a little bit now because Xavier being undiagnosed means that we don’t have access to funding because he doesn’t fit the criteria as the majority of funding bodies require a label,” Mrs Kitchin said.
“We’ve had to swallow some pride and say we’ve had to do some fundraising.
“The money we raise goes to therapy services, we access St Giles, and they go to medical costs.”
Susanne Scott will shave her head on July 28 at Tyler Village, Prospect.
People who wish to donate to Susanne’s Shave for Xav can donate to Susanne or Xavier Jack Kitchen, CBA, 067407 – 10136184.
To learn more about Xavier Kitchin and his family visit facebook.com/Xavier-Kitchins-Journey-600793130011881/.