Warrnambool's Purcell Family is hoping the community will get behind Sunday's HeartKid's Two Feet and A Heartbeat walk.
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The charity has supported the family throughout four-year-old Julian's battle with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.
Born with the genetic disorder which results in poor development of several body systems, Julian has extensive health issues and is dependant on the care of his mother, Courtney and assistant dog Doctor who he calls Doc.
"Julian suffers from anxiety due to his hectic medical schedule," Ms Purcell said.
"He stopped speaking two years ago after a traumatic hospital stay.
"But Doc has helped enormously with Julian gaining back his confidence."
Since welcoming Doc in August 2018 Ms Purcell said Julian had flourished.
"Doc helps our family by providing physical support to help Julian walk independently and enabling community participation," she said.
"He helps Julian through hospital stays, medical appointments, travel, sleep, lowering his anxiety and is helping Julian prepare for kindergarten and school.
"In January, Julian started talking again and is progressing more every day with speech therapy.
"Most importantly Doc helps Julian regulate his emotions and express love."
Ms Purcell is exceptionally grateful for the work HeartKids does as they have been an outlet for her and her eldest son, Brooklyn, in raising Julian and navigating his disorder.
"Doc has helped Julian but HeartKids have been there whenever I needed someone to talk to and helped guide me through my emotions," she said.
"We are excited to be able to now help HeartKids to raise awareness and much needed funds so they can continue to support other families like ours."
Thousands of Australians participating in the annual HeartKid's Two Feet and A Heartbeat charity will walk at various locations across the country which raises funds for children affected by congenital heart diseases.
Participants have the option to walk the four kilometre course in honour of the four lives lost each week to congenital or acquired heart disease, or to undertake the more challenging eight kilometre walk in recognition of the eight babies who are born with the disease each week.
The walk will take place at Breakwater in Warrnambool this Sunday, September 8 with registration opening at 8.30am and the walk beginning at 10am.
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