The Humanitarian Foundation BUDI HUMAN – Aleksandar Šapić

is raising funds for Vukašin Popović (2012).

Vukašin has been diagnosed with progressive muscular dystrophy – Duchenne muscular dystrophy (G71.0 Dystrophia musculorum progressiva Duchenne), tendon contractures (M67.1 Contractura tendinis alia), as well as tetraplegia (G82.3 Tetraplegia flaccida).

Vukašin is monitored at the Clinic for Neurology and Psychiatry for Children and Adolescents due to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, confirmed through molecular genetic testing (point mutation c.1031_1032del, p.Tyr344Serfs*15). At the age of 10.5, he lost the ability to walk independently. As the disease progressed, he developed contractures of the ankle and knee joints, weakness of the shoulder girdle muscles, pelvic–femoral region and lower extremities, as well as pronounced lumbar hyperlordosis.

During treatment, he experienced several complications: a humerus fracture, a distal femur fracture, an episode of severe respiratory insufficiency with oxygen saturation of 65% during COVID‑19 infection, bronchopneumonia, and significantly reduced bone mineral density (osteoporosis, Z‑score –3.2).

Today, Vukašin is non‑ambulatory, uses a wheelchair, cannot turn independently in bed, cannot sit up on his own, has no bed‑to‑wheelchair transfer, cannot stand or walk. His Barthel functional index ranges between 40 and 45, indicating a high level of dependence on assistance and care.

The continuation of treatment requires substantial financial resources, which the family cannot provide on their own. Support from compassionate individuals through donations is therefore essential.

Funds are needed for specialist examinations, orthopedic aids, spa‑based rehabilitation, and physical therapy.

For Vukašin to overcome this! Let’s be humane!

Help Vukašin!