Melbourne family moves to UK for sons' treatment

A family from Melbourne is preparing to move 17,000 kilometers away to the UK. Nick and Lee-Anne, high school sweethearts, are selling their belongings to afford the move. They hope this change will help stop the decline in their two young sons' health. Their journey took a difficult turn when their two-year-old son, Archer, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare genetic disorder. Just three months later, their 11-month-old son, Arlo, received the same diagnosis. Duchenne muscular dystrophy causes muscle weakness over time and ultimately shortens life expectancy. The couple is devastated and has spent time learning about the disorder and its impact on their children's futures. They are heartbroken thinking about what their sons might miss out on. In Australia, the treatment options for Duchenne are limited. There is only one treatment available for a specific variation of the disorder, and it costs a staggering $350,000 per child per year if imported. The couple realized they needed to move to the UK, where the needed drug is available and affordable. They plan to settle in Chesterfield, close to Sheffield Hospital, which specializes in treating Duchenne. They are committed to this move to ensure their sons receive the best care possible. Nick and Lee-Anne acknowledge that they cannot cure the disease, but they want to provide their boys with a better quality of life. They hope to live and work in England for as long as necessary to help their children. This move is a chance to hold on to some hope for their family's future.