Keilor junior go-kart star Emerson Harvey is driven to make a difference for a special little girl.
Emerson, 15, has joined the Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) Research Foundation as a junior ambassador, after seeing first-hand the struggle that family friend and EB sufferer Tilly Wilkes has endured since birth.
Epidermolysis bullosa is a debilitating skin disorder where the body does not produce a vital protein that binds the skin together, causing the skin to be as fragile as tissue paper and break out in blisters and sores.
Emerson was in a football team with Tilly’s older brother in 2011 when she was born, and hoped he could raise awareness for the foundation as it strives to find a cure.
“I remember when Tilly was born, her family was in shock because Tilly had been diagnosed with this rare and chronically painful condition,” Emerson said.
“Tilly is so positive and full of life, but she lives in extreme pain every day. Her skin is as fragile as the wings of a butterfly. Creating more awareness will hopefully help raise funds for science and eventually a cure”.
Tilly’s dad, Corey, said it was great to have Emerson on board to spread the message of the foundation to a wider audience.
“We are excited to have such a motivated and dedicated karting talent join our journey of raising awareness for epidermolysis bullosa,” Mr Wilkes said.
“It’s known as the worst disease you’ve never heard of.”
Emerson has made a strong start to the Australian Karting Championship season, and will be driving for the EB Research Foundation at upcoming events in Newcastle and North Queensland.
