"I wish to have an off-road buggy"
Zachariah, 8, Neurological condition
Make-A-Wish story
Zachariah's wish: I wish to have an off-road buggy
8 years old, Neurological condition
For eight-year-old Zachariah, a series of mobility limiting conditions had left him unable to do the thing that he loves the most: exploring the great outdoors. But his wish to have an off-road buggy has expanded his world as he can now venture out onto a multitude of different terrains. With a short prognosis, any opportunity for Zachariah to live his life to the fullest is vital for him and his family.
“The outdoors is where he’s happiest. Now he can truly experience the world,” said mum Rochelle.
Zachariah's story
November 2019
When mum was just 28 weeks pregnant a growth scan revealed that Zachariah’s brain wasn’t growing properly. His chance of survival at birth was expected to be very low. Later scans revealed that Zachariah had Lissencephaly, also known as ‘smooth brain’. “Consultants told us to terminate the pregnancy. We said no. We owed him the chance at life,” said Mum.
A wave of challenges was to follow in the next eight years of Zachariah’s life. “At just two days old, Zachariah had his first seizure,” said mum, “with no warning, his whole body started to jerk which was terrifying. There was no baby book to learn from so we just had to adapt and deal with it and show him as much love as possible.” At only six months old, Zachariah’s parents were told that he was blind. Just a month later he had to start physiotherapy treatment for scoliosis, hip dislocation, and dystonia (uncontrolled and sometimes painful muscle spasms).
“His spine is curving so much that eventually, his organs will start getting crushed. It’s so incredibly painful to see.”
Following a refractory epilepsy diagnosis at just five years old, Zachariah began to experience daily seizures. To make matters worse, his epilepsy medication would result in a painful case of pancreatitis.
With surgery planned for later this year where he’ll have his hips removed due to painful and complex dislocations, Zachariah needs lots of physiotherapy and positional changes throughout the day.
Despite it all, Zachariah is a spirited boy and a massive Taylor Swift fan, with the ability to light up every room with his smile. “To go through so much, yet remain so wonderfully happy just shows what an incredible child Zachariah is,” said Mum.
Zachariah's wish
January 2023
Following a long spell in hospital, Zachariah’s buggy would expand his world: “It would give us the opportunity to go higher and further,” said Mum. Having a buggy would enable him to explore beaches and parks with his family as they form precious memories together.
Following a short prognosis, every opportunity that the family has to create long-lasting memories counts.
“We can book a beach holiday with his cousins. We’re so excited for him to experience a beach!” said Mum. For the family, having the buggy allows them to explore the world with Zachariah, whilst ensuring his comfort.
How Zachariah's wish will help him
May 2023
For Zachariah, his wish is essential for him to live his life to the fullest. Before his wish, Zachariah was given a wheelchair by the NHS which met his basic needs. But Zachariah can’t be his true adventuring self without his buggy. Now, he can confidently explore the vast outdoors: “It helps with his mental health because the outdoors is where he’s happiest.”
Wishes for children like Zachariah are fundamental for reviving a piece of their childhood.
“They tolerate so much. He’s so far away from other things most kids can access. But he deserves happiness. Make-A-Wish offers that opportunity for children to become who they want to become.”