A 13-year-old boy with a rare condition has decided to forgo birthday presents this year so that others can have a better chance at battling illness.
The US teenager, Brenden Baker, has asked that instead of buying gifts for him, people make donations to the Children’s Miracle Network at Hendrick Medical Centre in Texas.
His selfless idea came from a chat with his 66-year-old grandfather.
Brenden has a rare disorder called Desbuquois syndrome, which affects the development of bone and cartilage. He is currently 68cm tall, weighs just 10kg, and is hooked up to an oxygen machine around the clock.
According to his father Chris Baker, he has always had a generous, giving nature. “He has all these problems but has always cared more about helping others than himself,” he said.
Brenden has now raised more than $32,000 on his GoFundMe campaign. The Children’s Miracle Network say they plan on using the money for medical equipment and games for their patients.
“Brenden is the happiest boy I know. He just wants to help. That’s all,” said Mr Baker.
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