Boy 5 discovers love for sport thanks to therapy for neuromuscular disorder

SINGAPORE – Exercising two to four times a week has become part of Devdan Devaraj’s routine, with the five-year-old taking part in sports such as swimming, wheelchair rugby and table tennis.

But a few years ago, his mother, See Shu Wen, never imagined her son would be able to lead such an active lifestyle.

When he was just several months old, Devdan was diagnosed with Type 2 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) – a genetic condition that affects nerves and muscles.

From initially feeling lost and unsure of what to do, Devdan’s family was handed a lifeline just before his second birthday when a nationwide crowdfunding campaign raised the $2.9 million needed for him to receive Zolgensma, a one-time gene therapy treatment for children with this condition.

See, 36, said: “It (Zolgensma) definitely has given him a lot more independence. Previously, he couldn’t stand or bear weight on his legs and today, he can walk a few steps independently and with support, he can walk a long way.

“Just by walking, it’s a huge step because the doctor’s diagnosis was that he would never walk. Him being so active and enjoying his life, it’s a bonus for us.”

Devdan, a Kindergarten 2 pupil, fell in love with sports about two years ago, when his parents sought alternative ways for him to stay active beyond physiotherapy.

He first picked up swimming and later took up power soccer – a modified version of football played by power wheelchair users – along with wheelchair rugby and table tennis, which Devdan said he enjoys as they allow him to stay active and make friends.

On May 24, he was among 60 individuals who collectively completed a 100-lap commemorative swim at Delta Swimming Complex to launch SG60 SwimTogether Singapore, an initiative by the Singapore Disability Sports