Wassim El Abed, 16 years old

When you speak to Wassim El Abed on the phone you can hear the smile come down the line chatting about studying at school, emailing friends and going out with mates! But there are some extraordinary things about this friendly 16 year old and a couple of them are inter-related.

Wassim has an extremely rare genetic disorder called Spondylocostal dysplasia which means he is short and has an awkward stiff neck.
‘I’m okay, I don’t have to take medication or anything and apart from an annual medical check-up my life is pretty normal. Even so Jeans for Genes is a fundraiser that is close to my heart not only because I have a genetic disorder myself but also because it is a great cause to support for all children,’ said Wassim.

In 2007, he volunteered almost every day for Father’s Day and Christmas gift wrapping together with his good friend Elizabeth, whom he met working at McDonalds. This dynamo ‘genie’ team helped raise over $10,000. Wassim and his younger sister Rayann (9) both have Spondylocostal dysplasia, yet his two other siblings don’t. He will do his HSC next year but has already started a TAFE subject for a nursing course.

Help us protect the future of our children.
Simply click here to give.