When Benjamin McLean was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of six weeks his parents couldn’t believe it.
“We thought they’d made a mistake,” dad Angus McLean said.
Two years on, the couple have dedicated their lives to learning about and raising awareness of what is the most common childhood disease.
And last weekend, 15 of Benjamin’s family and friends – ‘Team Big Ben’ – took part in a fun run and walk, dubbed Great Strides, to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis Victoria.
“More importantly, the race is about passing on the baton; to continue the work of Cystic Fibrosis Victoria and pass that on,” Mr McLean says.
The Bacchus Marsh toddler is “full of life”, like any other child his age.
But, unlike most, Benjamin has to do 30 minutes of physiotherapy each morning and afternoon; he takes medication before every feed and is a regular visitor to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
“Benjamin is full of life and you’d never even guess he had the illness,” Mr McLean said.
He said the family had a better understanding of the disease, and the outlook for children with cystic fibrosis had come a long way.
He said it was important to help find a cure and improve the lifestyle of children diagnosed with the disease.
Team Big Ben has raised more than $4000 in less than three weeks.
To donate to the Bacchus Marsh team, visit gs2015melb.everydayhero.com/au/bridget-1
