Home PageALLAN JOHN SHORD
13th June, 1976-21st March 2008. Allan was born 13th June 1976 in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia. Young Allan’s birth was difficult as he was a big baby. He was a happy, placid baby and grew into an uncomplicated, even-tempered boy, who was gentle and well-mannered. But, his life was to be a constant struggle, both physically and emotionally.
In 1982, Allan, his parents and two sisters moved to Western Australia. Soon after moving to WA, it was noted that Allan walked very awkwardly and at first he was thought to be “flat-footed”. He was taken to his local GP, who found “nothing untoward”. However, when his father spoke to Allan’s teachers, they also were concerned with the way Allan moved and suggested that he see a Specialist in that field. Allan was examined by the Specialist and he sent a letter to Allan’s parents stating that in his “opinion” he felt Allan was suffering from Muscular Dystrophy, but that a muscle biopsy would be needed to confirm his “opinion”. Allan was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital for Children for his biopsy. Unfortunately the news was not good. Allan was indeed suffering from Muscular Dystrophy. More tests were required before it was known what “type” of Muscular Dystrophy which afflicted Allan. Muscular Dystrophy is a term used to describe a number of inherited disorders characterized by progressive weakness and wasting of the muscles.
The most common type is Duchenne’s MD but other types are Becker’s MD, Limb-girdleMD, Facioscapulohumeral MD and Myotonic Dystrophy. Duchenne’s MD is the most severe. Boys suffering from this form of Muscular Dystrophy are severely debilitated. They are usually wheelchair bound young, confined to bed by the time they are in their early teens (they cannot walk because the muscle wasting is so aggressive), and unfortunately are no longer alive by the time they are in their late teens. Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy is the “milder” type and it was this that afflicted Allan. It still meant that his gait was very awkward, caused by the obvious muscle wasting in his thighs and trunk, and he could not reach down and pick up something from the floor. But, his lifespan was much better than those boys who suffered from Duchenne’s. Some sufferers of Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy have lived until their 60’s. Allan’s mother had inherited the recessive gene from her mother, as had her two sisters, as both have had sons that have Muscular dystrophy. Notwithstanding, life goes on for Allan. He does all the normal “boy” things. He joins the Cubs, he plays cricket, becomes a member of the local hockey club. Despite all the constant visits to the doctors and the hospital, and the fact that life is “different” for Allan, no allowances were asked for by him and none were given. He still turned up every time for training and the match; and he never used his medical condition for not trying new things or for not having good manners.
Allan became respected for his ability to live his life the way he did, without complaints or remorse. He never once said “Why me?” Over the years as Allan’s condition was deteriorating, he became fatigued very readily and his lips were constantly “bluish”. Yet again he went to his doctors, and they advised that he have a new series of tests to try and discover what was happening. Allan was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy when he was just 18. His heart, as a muscle, was affected by the Muscular Dystrophy. Nothing could be done to rectify the situation, and Allan was not a candidate for a transplant because of his condition. His doctor gave him two options. Allan could wrap himself in “cotton wool” and with the appropriate medication he “would probably live” until he was about 20-21. Or he could continue living the way he did and his lifespan would be even shorter!! This amazing young man took that all in his stride…and again never once complained!!
Now Allan had another hurdle to overcome, but where possible, medical restrictions were pushed to the back of his mind. He did not “wrap himself up in cotton wool”; although he did take his prescribed medications, but was a “typical’ teenager!! He enjoyed a wide circle of friends and he partied as well as anyone!! After completing his schooling, Allan got a job within the Woolworths organization in Armadale. WA. He bought himself a car (with his Dad’s help) and became truly independent. Because of his condition, Allan did not “have” to work as he was entitled to a full disability pension, but that was not in his character. He soon became fed up working at the checkout, and worked at other jobs that did not require him to stand for too long as he tired very easily. His final occupation was in the IT section of Telstra. Mike and Cyn decided to get married and no one was more excited for them than Allan. The only thing that put a damper on the young mans day, there wasn't a kilt small enough to fit because of the size of his waist. But as with the rest of his life, he put that behind him and made sure it didn't ruin the day.
Physically life became harder as time went on, but Allan continued to live his life to its fullest potential, doing all those things that young men do (both good and bad). He partied hard, and on one occasion was taken unconscious to the local hospital, where he remained overnight and was picked up by his Dad the next day, feeling very ‘sheepish’! Allan defied the odds for another 11 years, but sadly on 21st March, 2008 he died of Multi-organ failure after being in Royal Perth Hospital for 10 days.
Allan was a delightful young man. He put up with his condition with dignity and determination. Sure, like all young men he went “off the rails for a bit”, but he really was one of the nicest guys. He was not nasty or vindictive. He had a great sense of humour, was polite, caring and quietly well-spoken. He is greatly missed.
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Photo Gallery |
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Below is a "Gallery" of some photos taken throughout Allan's childhood, please click on an image to enlarge it |
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