Rayan Shahzad

Help Rayan Thrive Despite the Odds

Thank you for visiting Rayan’s page.

Rayan’s journey began in the most challenging circumstances. Born in traumatic conditions, he had to be resuscitated at birth. Soon after, we received heartbreaking news: an MRI scan revealed significant brain damage. Over time, Rayan was diagnosed with several conditions, including global developmental delay, microcephaly, a hemizygous mutation (IQSEC2), and cerebral visual impairment.

At just two years old, Rayan started attending a special school to receive therapy, alongside private treatments across Europe to support his physical and mental development. He is an incredibly resilient and cheerful child who participates in therapy with a smile, despite the challenges he faces every day.

Rayan’s Health Challenges

Rayan does not walk or talk and relies on a wheelchair for mobility. When he was 3, Rayan began having up to 50 seizures a day, leading to a diagnosis of drug-resistant epilepsy. This diagnosis brought further challenges, including sleepless nights, apathy, and severe side effects like constipation.

Through a strict ketogenic diet and medication, we’ve been able to reduce the number of seizures to 20 per day, and we remain hopeful for even greater progress.

In November 2021, Rayan underwent leg surgery, which has helped him participate in therapy and rehabilitation to improve his motor skills. Our hope is to help him achieve as much independence as possible in the future.

Why We Need Your Help

I am a single parent doing everything I can to give Rayan the care and resources he needs. Unfortunately, the costs of his therapy, specialized treatments, and necessary equipment are far beyond what I can manage alone.

Your support will help us:

Fund essential therapies and treatments to improve Rayan’s physical and mental condition.

Provide specialized equipment to make his daily life more comfortable and accessible.

Continue with the ketogenic diet and epilepsy treatments to reduce seizures further.

Rayan is a happy, determined child who loves traveling, animals, and embracing life despite his challenges. With your help, we can give him the opportunity to thrive and develop in a way that would not otherwise be possible.

Thank You

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading Rayan’s story and for any support you can give. Your generosity and kindness will make an incredible difference in my son’s life.

Blessings

7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover our core operating costs.

If we raise insufficient funds, or surplus funds, then the funds will be used, if appropriate, to fund support for our child’s needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objects. If in those circumstances we are unable to use all or part of the funds for the benefit of our child in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objectives, then any funds that cannot be used will be transferred to be used for the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope