By Alesha Capone
Travis McCarty is planning to walk 100 kilometres next month to raise funds for a Wyndham family whose three young sons have been diagnosed with an incurable illness.
Point Cook’s Rebekah (Bekk) and Nick Woronka are parents to twins Riley and Cooper, plus younger sibling Logan, who all have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
The rare and progressive muscle-wasting condition means it is likely the boys, who sometimes use mobility scooters, will likely require wheelchairs before their 12th birthdays.
Mr McCarty, who lives in Wandong, said he heard about the family when they featured on the news.
“I am a father of four beautiful daughters,” he said.
“As a parent, you feel helpless at times when your children are sick or unwell.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare.”
Inspired to help out, Mr McCarty – who has completed many walking challenges for different charities – set up a charity called Walk For Woronka Boys.
In December last year, he walked 100 kilometres from Craigieburn to Point Cook, raising $13,000 for the Woronkas in the process.
Mr McCarty is planning another marathon 24-hour trek for December 4 on behalf of the family, along The Great Victorian Rail Trail starting in Tallarook.
This year, he hopes to raise $15,000 so Nick and Bekk can purchase a plunge pool to help Logan, Riley and Cooper continue their water therapy, which helps reduce stress on their muscles and joints.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns of the past two years, the family sometimes could not access a pool to conduct the therapy.
Mr McCarty said last year’s walk was “an amazing experience”.
“The look on Bekk and Nick’s faces when I was able to present them a big cheque when I crossed the finishing line is a moment I’ll cherish forever,” he said.
Mr McCarty said training for this year’s walk has been challenging because of the COVID-related lockdown restrictions.
In the lead-up to the event, he has been training on roads and trails throughout the Mount Disappointment State Forest.
“I would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support and wonderful donations towards our cause,” Mr McCarty said.
See www.gofundme.com/f/walk-for-woronka-boys-2 to make a donation to Walk For Woronka Boys
