**Australian Influencer Sarah Strozkiy Opens Up About Son’s Terminal Illness**
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In a heartfelt revelation, Australian influencer Sarah Strozkiy has shared the heartbreaking journey she has faced following the diagnosis of her young son, Sonny, with a rare and terminal disease. The two-year-old began suffering from seizures earlier this year, prompting frequent emergency calls and visits to medical specialists.

The ordeal began in February, when Sonny started experiencing unexplained seizures that led his parents to seek urgent medical attention. Initially diagnosed with epilepsy, Sonny was placed on medication, which temporarily alleviated his symptoms. However, as time went on, it became evident that further complications were emerging.

Strozkiy and her husband noted that Sonny was struggling to learn new words and was increasingly prone to stumbling and falling. The situation escalated when one morning, Sonny woke up distressed and unable to move. After a lengthy series of scans and consultations, the couple received devastating news on May 19: their son had been diagnosed with CLN2 Batten disease, an extremely rare neurodegenerative disorder that significantly shortens life expectancy, usually to about ten years, and causes progressive dementia.
Describing the emotional toll this has taken on her family, Strozkiy said, “It’s been devastating. Anticipatory grief is something you can never really explain to anyone who hasn’t lived it.” She shared that despite the overwhelming sadness, she and her husband strive to approach each day with positivity, aiming to provide Sonny with a semblance of normalcy amid the uncertainty.
In their new reality, Strozkiy explained that she and her husband are in a constant state of vigilance, monitoring Sonny closely for any indication of seizures or further decline. “It’s like becoming a mother all over again,” she recalled, indicating how this journey has altered her sense of self. The challenges have begun to manifest physically as well, with Strozkiy experiencing short-term memory loss, making even the simplest tasks feel daunting.
Despite the immense difficulties, a glimmer of hope has emerged from the community. Friends rallied to create a GoFundMe page dedicated to supporting Sonny’s medical needs and allowing his parents to focus on caregiving without the added pressure of work. The campaign has been met with overwhelming generosity, raising nearly £60,000 from more than 2,000 donors in a short amount of time.
Strozkiy expressed her gratitude in a message posted on the fundraising site, stating, “We are still trying to find the words. The generosity this community has shown us has left us completely overwhelmed and, honestly, in shock. We never imagined we would be on the receiving end of something like this.” Each act of kindness and support has provided much-needed relief during what she described as one of the most challenging periods of their lives.
As the family navigates this difficult path, Strozkiy remains hopeful, taking each day as it comes while looking towards potential treatment options. “There is one treatment that gives us hope, but even the thought of what it involves is traumatic, and it carries real complications,” she revealed. However, her determination to provide Sonny with every opportunity and “every possible day” is unwavering.
Sarah Strozkiy’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles many families face when dealing with rare illnesses and the incredible impact of community support during such trying times. As she continues to advocate for her son, her experience highlights not only the significance of awareness around neurodegenerative disorders but also the strength found in unity and compassion.
