A Nepali mum in Australia awaits Liam’s DMD treatment: ‘Our world turned upside down’

Canberra-based Nepali mother and registered nurse Nirjala Sigdel shares her personal journey after her two-year-old son, Liam, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a rare and progressive genetic disorder that causes muscle degeneration. She describes the diagnosis as a moment when her “world turned upside down.” Sigdel highlights the emotional and practical challenges of caring for a child with a life-limiting condition, while also advocating for access to emerging treatments, including gene therapy, within Australia. Disclaimer: Listener discretion is advised, as the discussion includes references to suicide that may be distressing for some audiences.

Canberra mum Nirjala Sigdel is advocating for gene therapy after her son's DMD diagnosis. Source: Supplied / Nirjala Sigdel

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