In the North he's known as the Good Doctor.
Lance O'Sullivan and his youngest son Lance Jr Photo: Supplied
New Zealander of the Year Lance O'Sullivan, father of seven, has dedicated his life to supporting and curing others in his community.
But seven weeks ago he found himself at the centre of a very personal health crisis.
His youngest son Lance Junior was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and since then the family has been reeling.
Dr O'Sullivan said when he learned of the news he wanted the earth to open up and swallow him.
As a doctor he already knew what the future held for his youngest boy - who is just six-years-old.
He said the condition weakened the muscles and it was likely Lance Junior would be in a wheelchair by the age of 12.
Sufferers lose the use of their arms by about 18 and their lives in their 20s.
Speaking out on World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy day, Dr O'Sullivan is raising awareness for the other 60 families who have children suffering the condition.
He said after learning the news from a specialist, he and his wife called a whanau meeting to explain the diagnosis to their other six children.
Reflecting on his son's early years, Dr O'Sullivan said Lance Junior met most of his milestones but often became tired on long walks.
His diagnosis came a little late as the family thought his inablity to walk far was because he wanted his older siblings to pick him up, cuddle him and carry him.
Looking back, Dr O'Sullivan realises Lance Junior was not as able as the other children to walk as far - he fell over a lot, couldn't keep up around the rugby field and was not as physically capbable.
He supplied a photo of himself and Lance Junior that he used to promote his work. He would start his talks using the image of a loving son and father's embrace. Dr O'Sullivan would tell the audience every child deserves this relationship - the son looking at the father for protection and guidance, and the father looking at his son full of future and opportunity.
That image will now be used to highlight Lance Junior's condition.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a genetic condition which affects one in 3500 births in the world. New Zealand does not test for the condition and there are not a lot of symptoms.
The condition largely affects boys and is passed down from the mother who is a carrier.
Sometimes it can be a spontaneous mutation and Dr O'Sullivan and his family are waiting to hear if that was what happened with Lance Junior.
