Michael’s father Neville, left, and Cranbourne resident and family friend Jacqui Quigley, By Glen Atwell
EVERY morning, without fail, Michael Palmer awakes with a beaming smile.
The 16-year-old has muscular dystrophy, but not even the debilitating disease can dampen his lively spirit.
Michael, who recently moved from Cranbourne to Caldermeade with his parents Neville and Jan, is a self-confessed petrol head, but is facing the biggest battle of his life far from the racetrack.
Specialists at the Royal Children’s Hospital – a place that Michael has visited more times then he can count – have told Neville and Jan that their son needs titanium rods inserted along his spine to stop a life-threatening curvature in his back.
“We visit the Royal Children’s Hospital every six months,” Neville said. “On the last visit we spoke to six doctors and now we have to make the biggest decision of Michael’s life.
“If the curvature is not fixed it will eventually crush his lungs, but for the procedure to be a success Michael has to be in great health before the operation.”
Neville said his son’s outlook on life was inspiring, despite his complex condition.
“He is deteriorating, but he is happy, and that is the most important thing for me,” he said.
“Mentally, he is as bright as can be, and I still can’t drag him away from the racetrack.”
Neville has raced drag cars since he was 18, and has recently built a Torona for Michael, which Neville races at Heathcote Raceway.
“We drive out to Heathcote together, Michael sits trackside while I race and just loves it,” Neville said.
“We stay at a motel in Heathcote because it’s too much for Michael to do in one day, but it’s all worth it.”
Michael said he loved driving out to the racetrack and watching his dad race.
“I’m a Holden fan and so is my dad. I love watching him race Holdens,” he said.
Neville urged local residents to give generously to the Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal on Good Friday.
“We’ve been in and out of there countless times. It’s a world-class facility and the work they do there is amazing,” he said.
The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal is on tomorrow.
To donate phone 9292 1166 or visit the website www.goodfridayappeal.com.au.
