Dubai Mother Takes on 150km Camel Trek for Son With Angelman Syndrome

A Dubai-based mother is preparing to complete an extraordinary 150-kilometre camel trek across the desert to raise awareness about Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting her young son.

Rhian Adams, a mother of two, will take on the 15-day desert challenge for her nearly seven-year-old son, Samson.

Through the initiative, she hopes to encourage greater understanding of Angelman syndrome and highlight the abilities and potential of children living with disabilities.

A 150km Camel Journey With a Bigger Purpose

Adams is expected to cover around 10 kilometres each day at a camel farm in the Dubai desert from October 12 to 26.

The challenge, titled “Carried Through the Sand — 15 Days for Chromosome 15”, connects the 15-day journey with chromosome 15, which is associated with Angelman syndrome.

For Adams, however, the challenge is about much more than completing a difficult desert journey.

She hopes the unusual adventure will encourage people to learn more about Angelman syndrome and understand the challenges faced by families living with the condition.

Samson’s Journey With Angelman Syndrome

Samson was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome when he was just 10 months old.

The rare genetic condition can affect speech, movement, learning and communication.

Since his diagnosis, Samson has faced several health complications, including seizures, sleep difficulties and feeding problems.

He has also required intensive medical care on multiple occasions.

Despite these challenges, Samson has continued to make progress and achieve important milestones.

One of the biggest breakthroughs came when he learned to walk, despite doctors previously believing that he might never be able to do so.

Celebrating Every Milestone

For Adams, even small achievements have become major moments for celebration.

She says many of Samson’s milestones have taken months of patience, practice and support.

Although Samson is non-verbal, he communicates through photographs, switches, facial expressions and gestures.

He enjoys music, dancing, playing and spending time with his family.

Adams had promised that she would learn to walk on her hands if her son managed to take a step.

Around three years later, she fulfilled that promise.

The experience reinforced the importance of patience and persistence when supporting children with special needs.

From Fitness Trainer to Desert Adventurer

Adams moved to the UAE in 2014 and built a career in the fitness industry before becoming involved in adventure sports.

Her experience in fitness and physical activities will play an important role as she prepares for the demanding camel trek.

Although she has previously participated in a camel caravan, she says this expedition will be different because of its personal purpose.

Her preparation includes camel riding sessions and strength training to help her cope with travelling across sand and rough desert terrain.

For Adams, the challenge is not simply about endurance.

It is an opportunity to use her own experience and physical abilities to start conversations about Angelman syndrome.

Using the Challenge to Raise Awareness

Throughout the 15-day journey, Adams plans to highlight different aspects of Angelman syndrome, including diagnosis, seizures, sleep, communication, development and inclusion.

She intends to combine footage from the desert adventure with information about the condition and Samson’s personal experiences.

The aim is to challenge misconceptions surrounding Angelman syndrome and other disabilities while showing the individual stories behind the diagnosis.

Hope for Better Treatment and Support

Alongside raising public awareness, Adams hopes her campaign will bring greater attention to the need for improved support and treatment for people living with Angelman syndrome.

She wants families affected by the condition to have access to better developmental support, communication therapies and medical care for challenges such as feeding, sleep problems and seizures.

The campaign also aims to encourage a more inclusive attitude towards people with disabilities, many of whom can face being overlooked or underserved.

A Journey Dedicated to Samson

For Adams, the 150-kilometre camel trek is ultimately a journey dedicated to her son.

She hopes it will shift attention away from the limitations associated with Angelman syndrome and instead highlight the abilities, achievements and individuality of children living with the condition.

The desert challenge will serve as both a personal test of endurance and a platform for awareness.

Through Samson’s story, Adams hopes to inspire families, challenge misconceptions and encourage greater understanding of Angelman syndrome and the people living with it.