Bus conversion necessary

Marcel needs help: “Only his dog calms him down”

Marcel lives in his own world. His assistance dog "Nicki" is very important to him. The animal is also good at calming the 15-year-old when he gets aggressive.(Bild: Krone KREATIV/Christa Blümel)

They have just celebrated their birthday: a 15-year-old, perfectly healthy, happy Styrian. And his twin, who is handicapped and lives in his own world. And needs help to do so.

A few days ago, it was exactly 15 years ago that the twins saw the light of day. Long awaited, true children of the heart. But while one of the boys practically laughed his way into the world, "with my second son I immediately noticed that something was wrong," explains the mother. "Marcel didn't react to anything, he couldn't even lift his head."

The diagnosis hit the family like a hammer blow: "Marcel had a brain haemorrhage in the womb, the consequences are also autistic traits, plus a rare genetic defect." Today, the teenager can only walk short distances, is otherwise in a wheelchair and lives in his own world. It's bad for everyone when he gets "grumpy", throwing objects and lashing out. The only thing that calms him down is his dog "Nicki", whom he loves more than anything.

No vacation for 15 years
Marcel can't take his eyes off him for a minute, routine is the most important thing for him. Vacation? It's just a memory. There hasn't been one for 15 years, if only because it's financially impossible.

Finances: a tricky subject. The parents don't want to ask others for money. The father is a skilled craftsman, but by no means brings home any riches; the mother is there for the boy. Like many others, there are still debts on the house. "We manage everyday life," emphasizes his mom. But they can't manage outside trips for Marcel.

Bus needs to be converted
He already weighs 53 kilos, which was no longer possible without a stairlift. A car that fits the wheelchair can also be "set up" with assistance - but the 25,000 euro conversion for the bus is out of the question, despite the subsidy from the authorities. Perhaps you can help?

Bank account: "Die Krone hilft", AT152081500044569523 Keyword "Marcel". Your donation is tax-deductible.