Daily Voice readers and friends are joining hands to help two-year-old Zack Amos and his family after his parents shared their heart-wrenching story of his rare eye condition.
At birth, Zack of Lotus River was born with growths on his eyelids leaving him blinded.
He was also born with web-like skin attached to the sides of his face.
He was also diagnosed with Hydrocephalus, which is a condition where excess fluid in the brain leads to the head growing abnormally large.
His parents, Andrea Amos and Jeninio Hendricks, both 21, told of their journey and love for their “ Wonder” boy.
Dwayne Evans, spokesperson for Red Cross Children’s Hospital, explained Zack was diagnosed with the extremely rare Oculo-ectodermal syndrome, also known as Toriello Lacassie Droste Syndrome, which involves mutations of a gene.
Zack has had surgeries to place a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt inside his head to help relieve pressure on the brain, and another to remove excess fat on the eye.
Doctors will continue the eye surgeries in the future and are optimistic that he will see one day.
Andrea says they have received an overwhelming response from the public, who want to host a fundraiser for Zack, while Jeninio has received employment offers.
“I received calls from people offering to help us to raise funds for Zack,” she says.
“Another person called and said they showed the article to their husband who works in Law Enforcement to offer him employment, but that he would be contacted again for paperwork to be done.
“People’s messages are so positive and we want to say thank you.”
RARE: Zack has abnormal eyelids cover eyes.
The couple’s friend, Courtney Johnson, also took to Facebook asking for people to assist in arranging a fundraiser at a local hall.
“We want to arrange a fundraiser to help them financially towards the future for Zack’s needs,” says Courtney.
“Whether it can help with his medical expenses or just help them as a couple with Zack’s needs.
“At the moment, we are still looking for a venue, but we would like to have the function on 2 November.
“There will be food sold at the event as well.”
If you would like to assist Zack, contact the couple on 061 664 8656 or 067 896 3752, Courtney on 084 345 9988.