Brave Hong Kong boy with rare disorder faces his biggest test yet
- Marcus Ng has spinal muscular atrophy, a disorder which gradually causes the muscles to become weak and wear away
- He will have surgery in less than two weeks to correct scoliosis – a condition where the spine twists and curves – to allow him to breathe easier
Marcus Ng Pak-lam, a 10-year-old Hong Kong boy born with a rare and incurable genetic disorder, is about to face yet another life challenge – risky spinal surgery – in a bid to improve his deteriorating health.
His mother Wenus Chan is calling for the public’s support for the boy, who is expected to undergo surgery in less than two weeks.
Marcus has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a disorder which gradually causes the muscles to become weak and wear away. It can leave sufferers unable to walk or even breathe and may affect their swallowing.
He cannot move his whole body and needs round-the-clock care.
“With his muscular atrophy, his lung function is worse than a normal child. His lung function is 10 per cent of a normal person,” Chan said. “We have to go through with the surgery for him although we understand, and know, it is very harmful and high-risk for Marcus because his lung function is not in a good state.”