Cubby fundraiser to aid courageous boy

At a glance, it is almost impossible to tell that Maddox Ball was one in 3500 boys born with a severe form of muscular dystrophy called Duchenne.

The six-year-old Waikiki resident laughs as he plays with twin brother Xander and older sister Scarlett, despite his debilitating genetic disorder.

Maddox’s muscles are unable to regenerate, and as time goes on, he will lose the the ability to walk and move.

Friends of the Ball family have organised a fundraiser for Maddox this week, in the hopes of raising money to assist with ongoing medical costs.

“It is quite a harsh reality for us, but there are new medications coming out all the time, so there is a lot of hope,” mother Fiona said.

“Despite everything, he is a really spirited kid — he is funny and happy and still gives everything a go.”

As his condition worsens, Maddox will require a wheelchair and the Ball family will need a new car and extensive house renovations.

A cubby building session will take place at Waikiki Community and Family Centre on Thursday with kids aged 3-10 invited to enjoy a two-hour session of creative play.

They will be able to build crazy cubbies out of cardboard, branches, rope and other material while parents enjoy a moment of peace and a cup of tea.

Tickets are $5 (cash) or $6 (online) a child and available by visiting the centre on Rand Avenue or online at trybooking.com/MZXV.