Zacchaeus Ulusa Ibn Alpha Maiava, an adrenaline enthusiast, has been an integral supporting member of the Tōfā Mamao Collective since 2018, along with his family. His commitment and achievements were recently recognized when he became a finalist in the Taumafaiga Taba Youth Achievement category at the prestigious Stars of the Moana 2023 Awards.
Born in Dubai, Zacchaeus moved to Aotearoa (New Zealand) with his family in 2018, seeking answers to the physical challenges he had been facing. After nearly three years of orthopedic and neurological assessments, he was officially diagnosed with Charcot Marie Tooth disease in 2021, a rare neurological condition affecting the peripheral nerves.
Despite the challenges posed by his diagnosis, Zacchaeus continues to live life to the fullest, showcasing his adventurous spirit. Notably, he completed a 13,000ft skydive with his mother, Falepau Maiava, an experience he embraced with his signature smile. His journey of resilience and advocacy can be followed on social media, where he shares his experiences on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook under the handle "Zacchaeus CMT."
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