Wollongong marked the halfway point for the South Australian man’s Million Dollar Run from Adelaide to Brisbane, and provided him with the chance to meet the very people he’s running for.

That included Ky North of Balgownie and Billy O’Brien of Warilla – both of whom live with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). Mr Biszczak aims to raise $1 million for those with the condition, known as ‘butterfly children’ due to the fragility of their skin.

Rebecca and David O’Brien live with the heartache of losing their first son Jayden to EB aged 8, and now watch as their second boy Billy, 12, battles the disease.

‘’They were both born with the recessive, more severe form,’’ Mrs O’Brien said. ‘’Jayden spent his life in and out of hospital until cardiomyopathy took hold of him.’’

‘’Billy needs to be bandaged daily and is fed through a nasal gastric tube due to scarring of the oesophagus. It’s a horrible disease and I’m thankful to Andrew – and the DEBRA foundation he’s raising money for.’’

Illawarra residents joined Mr Biszczak on the Wollongong leg of his 3000 kilometre run on Thursday. He said the challenge was nothing compared to that faced by kids with EB. ‘’These incredible children face adversity on a daily basis, but are the most courageous and positive kids you’ll ever meet.’’

‘’They are my inspiration,’’ he added.

Mr North said it was great to see local families supporting the cause, by joining Mr Biszczak on the five kilometre run along the city’s foreshore.

‘’It’s raising funds but also much needed awareness as Ky is one of just 1000 Australians with this condition,’’ he said.

‘’His form affects the top layer of the skin so is not as severe as other forms, but he still has to deal with the pain of the many blisters and can’t run around like other kids.

‘’We manage his condition as best we can, and hope that one day – with the funds raised through charitable events like this – that research into it will lead to better treatment or a cure.’’

Mr Biszczak started his mission after meeting sufferer Kate Turner, an ambassador for the DEBRA Australia. After her death in 2015, aged 26, he swore to raise $1 million for DEBRA to help support sufferers and fund research. 

To support the cause visit www.themilliondollarrun.com.au