Dubai restores hope for Turkish child battling Duchenne

In Dubai, a smile has returned to the face of Turkish child Göktuğ Ordu after years filled with fear and anxiety. His long battle with Duchenne muscular dystrophy has concluded, and his family is now stepping into a hopeful new chapter thanks to gene therapy. This was made possible by a successful humanitarian campaign that raised Dhs10.6 million (approximately $2.8 million) to cover the treatment cost.

With this achievement, Al Khaleej adds another humanitarian success story to its record. Göktuğ Ordu's situation marks the third instance where the newspaper has successfully assisted a patient in securing treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Turkish child Göktuğ Ordu poses for a photograph.

After Al Khaleej published his story on April 12, under the title "Turkish mother’s plea: Save my child before duchenne muscular dystrophy takes him," opportunities for hope began to open for the family. Ultimately, the complete cost of the treatment was covered, allowing Göktuğ to reach the moment his family had been anxiously awaiting, receiving the gene therapy after an exhausting journey of fear and hope."

A New Beginning 

The treatment marked not just the end of a difficult journey, but the start of a new chapter for the family. For years, the illness had deprived their child of much of his childhood as the family struggled with time constraints, treatment expenses, and a once-elusive opportunity that seemed to be slipping away.

Göktuğ’s father expressed deep gratitude to those who supported his son and helped the family through their challenging times. He highlighted the importance of a benefactor who decided to cover the remaining costs, which became a pivotal moment; this generous act ended a long period of fear and uncertainty, offering the child a renewed chance to battle the disease.

Parents, doctors and officials pose for a photograph with Göktuğ Ordu.

After extensive medical evaluations, the family discovered that their son had Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This diagnosis initiated a long search for treatment, with costs far beyond their financial capacity.

Comprehensive Assessment 

Göktuğ underwent a thorough assessment by a multidisciplinary medical team led by Dr. Vivek Mundada, a consultant pediatric neurologist at Medcare Hospital, to ensure he was prepared for gene therapy meeting the highest standards.

Today, the family's situation has turned around: fear has given way to reassurance, the prolonged wait culminated in the moment they had long hoped for, and joy has returned to Göktuğ's face.