A year-long effort by the family and support from the public brought this Turkish child to the UAE for a new chance at recovery.

It all started with a simple wish; an 11-year-old boy who just wanted to play football with his friends again.

Yigit Alma, a child from Konya, Turkey, and a fan of Beşiktaş and Lionel Messi, is now in Abu Dhabi to receive treatment for his rare muscular disease; a treatment that could provide a new hope for his continued life.

Yigit suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD); a genetic disease that gradually reduces muscle strength. Until a few years ago, he played like other children, but signs of the disease appeared when he was five, making activities like running, climbing stairs, and even standing more difficult.

After the diagnosis, his family realized they did not have an easy treatment ahead. However, a few years later, a new option emerged; Elevidys, a one-time gene therapy that is only available in a few countries, including the UAE, and costs over 10 million dirhams.

This amount was unattainable for Yigit's family, but his story quickly turned into a major public movement. Turkish media published his story, and people, charities, businesses, and various groups mobilized to raise funds for his treatment.

Football matches, sports tournaments, charity events, and online campaigns were held to give this child a chance to receive treatment. Even a car was auctioned off to help cover his treatment costs.

Ultimately, with the support of groups in Turkey and the UAE, Yigit was transferred to Abu Dhabi and is now under the care of doctors at Burjeel Medical City to begin his treatment process.

Doctors say this gene therapy cannot completely reverse the muscle damage already done, but it may slow the progression of the disease; especially in children who still have the ability to walk.

For Yigit's family, reaching the UAE marks the end of a long journey of effort, worry, and hope. But for him, this is just the beginning of a new chapter.

When Yigit was asked what he wants to do after getting better, his answer was simple:

He doesn’t want to become a football champion or lift a trophy; he just wants to play football with his friends again.

Source: Gulf Times