He is an ever-smiling boy, who, although at first glance looks no different from his peers, suffers from the devastating, cruel and relentless rare genetic disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Advances in healthcare have brought new hope for Matic, with the recent approval of the genetic drug Elevidys, which is already successfully treating children with this condition, but at a cost of €2.2 million, it is a huge financial burden for any parent.
Matic's parents got in touch with the Viljem Julijan Association, and then good people all over Slovenia, especially his fellow townspeople in Škofja Loka, started raising money. In December, they were already raising money for Matic in various locations in the Old Town. A box was set up at the skating rink for this purpose, and one of the hairdressers donated his daily earnings from haircuts to Matic.
Mothers of Matič's classmates join the action
The mothers of Matič's classmates were particularly eager to find a solution and raise money. In order to help the family reach this high figure as soon as possible, they organised a series of events in Škofja Loka.
The first organised event was a stall with hot tea and homemade cakes, where people from Loška and other visitors could stop by in the time between Christmas and New Year. Everyone was warmly welcomed, offered a glass of short or hot tea, and had the chance to eat one or two delicious homemade cakes and chat. They were also joined by Matič's mother, who was present at the event with gratitude and hope.
"As soon as we heard that they were raising money, the mothers of Matič's classmates got together and decided to help. Matic's mother was very happy and extremely grateful when she found out. She needed extra hope and help in those difficult moments when she didn't know what exactly was going to happen," said Ines Gaber, one of the organisers. The event raised more than €4,400.
But that was just the beginning. In mid-January, mothers came together again in the Stara Loka - Podlubnik Community. They organised a charity bazaar where local people could participate in two ways: they could donate second-hand equipment such as scooters, skates, skis and books, or they could buy something for themselves. What might have been an old charm to one person was a new find to another, and the money from the sale went to Matic. A few artists also came forward to donate their products to charity. The all-day bazaar, which was well attended, raised a total of €9,500 for Matic.
The events did not end there, as there was an organised hike up Kriška Gora, where a charity raffle took place, and Ločans and the mothers of Matič's classmates are still organising various events to raise money. This is a story that can touch everyone, because we can only imagine how bad it would be if something like this happened to our child.
How little it takes to come together and help a person in need.
Klavdija Rupar Vuga, 3. 2. 2025
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