For most eight-year-olds, running 65 laps of their local football ground would be a bridge too far.
For Teague Acreman, it’s a challenge he’s determined to conquer.
Teague’s little cousin, 13-month-old Noah Acreman, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just four weeks of age.
May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness month, which includes the 65 Roses challenge, in which people perform tasks 65 times to raise awareness and funds.
When he heard about the challenge, Teague jumped at the chance to help his cousin.
“My mum and dad told me about 65 Roses so I decided to do something 65 times to raise money for Noah,” he said.
“There’s no cure yet, so I’m doing my part to help Noah and the community.”
Teague has so far raised $2706.
Noah’s mother, Ebony Acreman, said she was overwhelmed by Teague’s kindness.
“He’s such an amazing and generous boy with the kindest heart,” she said. “We’re incredibly lucky to have him in the family.”
Despite major advances in treatment, the average life expectancy for someone born with cystic fibrosis is 37 years.
Ms Acreman said there was the potential to drastically improve Noah’s condition.
“There’s a drug called Orkambi, which is the only drug available in Australia to treat the cause of the most common strain of cystic fibrosis,” she said. “It has the potential to extend the life of a patient by 23 years, however it currently costs $250,000 a year.”
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has voted against putting Orkambi on the scheme three times.
