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Ben Revell - Source: ONE News
One year ago, Ben Revell was a fit and healthy 26-year-old. Now, he is virtually bed ridden and communicates through an electronic tablet.
Ben is one of just a handful of Kiwis suffering from motor neurone disease - a debilitating and aggressive neurological disorder that has no cure.
Only 300 New Zealanders are thought to suffer from the disorder and most are over 50. But Ben was just 26 when he was diagnosed after having trouble passing his Navy fitness test in May.
By November he was struggling to walk or speak clearly and with the help of his employer - the Royal New Zealand Navy - he moved back to Auckland to his family home.
"I am so thankful for all the support that my shipmates and the Navy as a whole have given my family," Ben said, adding that he is determined to stay positive.
In June, he married his girlfriend Malia and they headed to Samoa while he was still able to travel. The couple was delighted to learn Malia was pregnant.
Malia said when he was diagnosed and found out she was pregnant, Ben's goal was to see the birth of his first child.
Luisa Rose Revell is now six days old, arriving two weeks early to meet her sick father. And like any new father, Ben thinks his little girl is perfect.
"She's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life."
Ben's new goal is to see his baby grow up.
Click here for more information about motor neurone disease
The Navy has started a fund for Ben and his family. Donations can be made through the Westpac account: rnzn ben revell fundraiser 03-1514-0408067-000
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