Today is the first World Duchenne Awareness Day, sponsored by PPMD. 

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a muscle wasting disease - muscle tissue is unable to repair itself and children get weaker and weaker until they die. They don't survive this disease - not one escapes it. Not a single one. 

Our son, Mitchell, passed away from heart failure because DMD destroyed that vital muscle much earlier than anticipated. 

Though the root cause is different, which requires its own research and search for a cure, the surface DMD isn't too dissimilar from ALS - inasmuch as those who have it lose their ability to walk, use their arms, swallow, breathe and eventually their hearts give out. DMD needs as much attention as ALS - and I hope to help PPMD elevate awareness of DMD and its catastrophic outcomes.

I have a particular love for this organization for many reasons – one of which, they tried valiantly to save my little boy. Secondly, they fight to save every child afflicted with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Thirdly, this organization is filled with love, compassion, drive and experience. Fourthly, they are getting it done – but they can’t do it alone. 

In memory of my son, and other sons affected by DMD, please visit:
http://www.parentprojectmd.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Connect_wdad