Joint 1st Prize - 12 year old boy saved by a hamster
By Emily Paterson
Listen to Emily's story!
At the age of twelve, Oliver Moody’s quality of life is literally being saved by a hamster. His growing has come to a halt and his organs contain lethal toxins, due to a rare disease, mucopolysaccharidosis, or more commonly known as Hurler Syndrome.
One in one-hundred thousand are born suffering from the disease and in the UK seven people are currently being treated, due to American scientists discovering the benefits of Chinese hamster’s enzymes.
The majority of us have an enzyme in our body which breaks down harmful chemicals. The absence of this enzyme means that these dangerous toxins can enter important organs, and in time can starve them of oxygen, this being the main concern of suffers of Hurler Syndrome. Even at a young age most don’t have enough energy to enjoy being an ordinary child and generally stop growing before they even reach teen years. Other symptoms include impaired hearing and vision and deformities. These symptoms clearly make life more difficult.
Who would have thought a household pet could help cure dangerous toxins from damaging human organs? However, American scientists have newly discovered a cure, and are treating patients in America and have just begun to cure several in Britain too. Once the enzyme is removed from the hamster it is genetically modified by the scientists and given to the patient through a drip for a few hours. Not only does it allow oxygen to the organs, and help the patient grow to a more comfortable height, other small but significant changes often take place. For example a swollen stomach can become flat, and bristly hair softens. But also importantly, newly energetic Oliver Moody can now enjoy being your average kid! Life has now truly begun, thanks to a Chinese hamster!
Page last updated:
28 June 2007
