More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
When a dog landed on a baby hurting his arm, it alerted his family to a raft of potential health concerns.
Now a fundraising campaign has begun so the parents of little Theo Bonnick of Dover, can pay for tests for a rare bone disorder.
The delicate tot, now four months, suffered multiple fractures when the family pet jumped from a bed and lnded on his arm in June.
At first it was thought to be osteogenesis imperfecta, a defect related to a protein called collagen, which makes bones strong.
But doctors have said his condition does not fit that criteria and so the NHS has decided not to fund genetic tests. The family is now trying to pay for this privately.
The summary on the GoFundMe crowdfunding page is written as if Theo is speaking.
It says: "I am on constant pain relief.
"I am not able to be with my brother in case he cuddles me, which could hurt me."
"My family are in bits and we need some clarification. I’m so sad that because I don’t look typical OI, that it means I can’t have the tests even though I have nearly all the symptoms.
"Presently I am so delicate that I am not able to be with my brother in case he kisses and cuddles me, which could accidentally hurt me."
The summary explains that Theo's condition was discovered after the accident with the dog on June 28.
He was left in pain so his parents took him to hospital where he was discovered to have multiple fractures, possibly since birth.
He also has a bowed leg, possible sclera (blueing of the eyes), muscle weakness and a very low parathyroid hormone, coming from glands that regulate calcium in the blood.
He also can't hold up his head or straighten his back or put on any weight.
The page was set up by Theo's grandparents, Cheryl and Craig Shepherd.
His parents are Lauren Burns and Donavon Bonnick and he has a brother, Kayden, two, and the family live in Kimberley Close,
Kent Online contacted the NHS for a comment.
The GoFundMe page, set up seven days ago, by today (Friday) raised £835, way past its original target of £500.
