Belinda Mellington was born on the 28th of May 1980 with Maroteaux-lamy syndrome, this is a genetic condition that effects the entire body. The waste products slowly build up in the cells causing different complications. For example Curvature of the spine, cloudiness of the cornea in each eye and glaucoma which is not usually expected. Shorting of bones usually causing either dwarfism or midgets. Waste products build up in the marrow of the bones, tendons and muscles. Tightening of the tendons causes fingers to curl and shoulders to lock up, also legs to form a 90 degree angle. Mucopolysaccaridoses type 6 is a genetic condition caused by the two parents having the same gene, which gets passed onto their offspring. There is a one in four chance of your offspring getting this condition. If you already have a child with M.P.S it is wise to have an amniocentesis test to see if your next child will have this condition. We have been lucky having another two children without this condition but they of course are carriers, the possibility of them having a child with M.P.S. is very unlikely, the odds in this happening is one in 142 people.


I would like to use this area of the page to thank the Royal Childrens Hospital in Melbourne, and the Murdoch Institute for their help and support over the last 17 years.
I would also like to thank the Make A Wish foundation in Australia, The Make A Difference Programme and the Mucopolysaccharide & Related diseases Society Australia. Ltd. A.C.N 064723146 Registered Charity No CFN 10916, for their help over the years.
There are more organisations and people to thank but the list would go on and on.