This is especially the case for 18-month-old Perth baby, Levi Wibberley who suffers from Krabbe disease.
The rare neurological disorder, that affects the production of myelin – the material that surrounds and protects nerve fibres in the body, makes it difficult for him to concentrate, until he hears Manu’s voice.
Levi’s mum, Ashley, was surprised when she noticed the soothing effect Manu’s voice had on her little boy.
Ashley decided to share her story with the man himself, and the very next day he got in touch with her.
“It is surprising, since he [Levi] can’t communicate with us an awful lot, so it’s nice to see that he can still respond to things he likes,” she told Sunrise.
“It means his brain is still functioning. He’s in a broken body but he is still there.”
Baby Levi with his parents Ben and Ashley.
The MKR judge decided to surprise Levi by recording a few children’s audio books in both English and French, for their son to listen to. He also plans to visit the family in the next month.
“It’s tough you know, I’ve got kids. I’ve got a little one [who is] six-weeks-old. So it does touch my heart,” Manu said.
“I want to help as much as I can.” The talented chef was visibly moved by Levi’s story.
Levi’s parents Ben and Ashley, who are expecting their second child in July, say they are grateful for Manu’s support.
Testing for Krabbe disease is currently not mandatory in newborns, for Ben and Ashley it has become their personal crusade to change that.
For their little boy, who might not make it in time to meet his younger brother, one simple test could have saved his life.
“I’m distraught. For so long I was trying to get someone to listen us and I kept being told Levi was fine,” Ashley told Perth Now.
“I’ve been reading these studies and the only reason they don’t test for Krabbe is because it’s so rare.”
Ashley and Ben have since created a petition to the state government for Krabbe testing to become mandatory.
The average life expectancy for a child with Krabbe disease is just two-years-old, with their body essentially “deteriorating day by day”.
“My biggest wish for him [Levi] is that he gets to meet his little brother. Get to give him a cuddle. It would be a blessing and a miracle for us” Ben said.
