At the age of nine Vanika and Vanshika were diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disorder ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) after a lifetime of clumsiness and a lack of spatial awareness. A private physiotherapist suggested the condition could be genetic and they were positively diagnosed with A-T in August 2012.
Whilst the girls recognise their limitations they focus on what they can do and have a positive outlook on life. Over time A-T causes severe disability and affects a variety of body systems with increasing difficulty and coordinating movements a reduction in the efficiency of the immune system and an increased risk of developing cancers.
The A-T Society received a grant from money raised by the public on Jeans for Genes to pay for a part-time family support worker to further help families who have been diagnosed with A-T.