A Vanderbijlpark mother has asked for help for her 16-year-old son who is paralysed and has Down syndrome.

“We are raising funds in the hopes of getting a second-hand panel van that is customised inside to fit Kegan’s wheelchair so we can push him inside,” said Kegan’s mother, Krystle Holl. “Kegan has become heavier and I can’t lift him from his wheelchair anymore, thus making us housebound.”

Kegan was born with Down syndrome and it was discovered when he was 18 months old that he was paralysed because of cancer that was settled on the spine. After numerous chemo treatments, he was declared cancer-free.

Kegan Holl was born with Down syndrome. Picture supplied

Down syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. Babies with Down syndrome have an extra copy of one of these chromosomes – chromosome 21. The baby may have difficulties with their mental and physical development as a result of this additional copy, which alters how their body and brain grow, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

Individuals who have Down syndrome frequently have a facial appearance that is characterised by a flattened look, upward-pointing corners of the eyes, small ears, a short neck, and a tongue that protrudes from the lips.

The average lifespan of a person with Down syndrome is approximately 60 years, according to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

Kegan is homeschooled by his mother, Krystle Holl. Picture supplied.

The family celebrated Kegan’s 16th birthday in October after doctors told him he would not see his second birthday.

“We are requesting any assistance it could also be in the form of adult diapers (XL Molly Care) as these cost us a lot of money,” said Holl. “If we could get the van we would be able to take Kegan to more places and he will be able to enjoy a fuller life.”

Kegan is taught at home by his mother and is a fan of WWE wrestling.

OFM News/ Zenande Mpame dg