FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. -- Relief for a Fort St John family as their teenage son finally receiving the news he's been waiting for.

On Friday, January 28, 2022, the 14-year old will finally receive a life-altering surgery.

Devin Gallant, of Fort St. John, has been living with Type-3 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (S.M.A.) for most of his life.

S.M.A is a serious disease that wastes away the body's ability to form muscle.

Devin’s spine is becoming so bent out of shape from S.M.A., it's starting to push into his spleen, heart, and lungs making it hard to breathe.

Mandy Gallant, Mother of Devin, says, “I know he is keeping a lot of stuff bundled up but he knows we are going to fight right to the end for him".

Devin is now confined to a wheelchair and in dire need of corrective back surgery if he ever hopes to walk, and breathe normally again.

Devin and his parents have been in Vancouver for a week seeking medical treatment once again. The family has been in and out of the B.C. Childrens Hospital and has spent the past few days at the Ronald McDonald House.

While there, they received the news Devin will finally receive his much needed surgery.

If it's successful, Devin would be able to walk again for extended periods of time and breathe more comfortably, something Devin himself is emotional about.

"I’m really nervous for the surgery, but other than that, I really want it. I feel great about it."

Devin will need roughly a week to recover from the surgery.

After recovering, he will start taking the drug Risdaplam. The drug can cost up to a whopping $375,000 a year and the province has finally agreed to pay for the treatment, something his family has been trying to get for Devin since 2019.

"treatment is a game changer” says Mandy, “without treatment, he may not be able to recover from surgery the way that he's going to be able to".

Devin’s journey has been emotional one for both himself and his family.

His parents are very thankful he will have a chance at returning to a more normal life.

Mandy says Devon’s road to recovery wasn’t possible without the support of friends, family, and the community of Fort St. John.

"To know that we have the support, we've always known we've had it, but it just goes to show how much community means"