Kieran's story

Six-year-old Kieran Dube has had over 20 broken and fractured bones in his short life so far.

He was referred to Sheffield Children’s at just seven months old, after his parents noticed he was not reaching the expected developmental milestones.

Six-year-old Kieran Dube has had over 20 broken and fractured bones in his short life so far. 

Kieran, from Scarborough, was referred to Sheffield Children’s at just seven months old, after his parents noticed he was not reaching the expected developmental milestones.

Kieran was unable to lift his head up and stopped using one of his arms. He was subsequently diagnosed with type V osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), more commonly known as brittle bones disease.

The condition, which mainly affects his elbows, means that even something as minor as a hug could break Kieran’s bones.

Sheffield Children’s are known internationally for the treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta. Children come from all over the UK and around the world to see clinicians who are highly respected in their fields while the Metabolic Bone Disease Service is the largest of its kind in Western Europe.

For the past four years, Kieran has visited Medical Daycare at Sheffield Children’s every three months for infusions with doses of zoledronic acid to help protect his bones.

Mum Rachel adds: “They are like our second family. The staff are amazing with Kieran and know how to support him. They are great at talking to him as well as me, explaining everything they are going to do, how things work and are always happy to answer his questions.”

As Kieran gets older, the frequency of his breaks has reduced and before lockdown he was enjoying school and playing with his friends. 

The Children's Hospital Charity support services for conditions like Kieran's. To donate click here

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