Fight 4 Parkers Life CLINICAL TRIAL
Donation protected
I would like to start off by introducing our family~
James Zimmerle 37, a car salesman and myself Ashley 36, a stay home mom have been married 17 years. We were blessed with 4 healthy children, Peyton 16, Preston 12, Parker 9, and Preslee, 4 years old. Our home is in Denham Springs, LA.
In 2011, we received Parker's diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. We had never heard the words "Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy" before this time; much less knew anything about it.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately 1 in every 3,500 live male births (about 20,000 new cases each year). Because the Duchenne gene is found on the X-chromosome, it primarily affects boys; however, it occurs across all races and cultures. Duchenne results in progressive loss of strength and is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes for dystrophin. Because dystrophin is absent, the muscle cells are easily damaged. The progressive muscle weakness leads to serious medical problems, particularly issues relating to the heart and lungs. Young boys with Duchenne are typically in a power wheelchair by age 12, with a life expectancy into their late 20's.
As we learned more about this FATAL DISEASE; having no known cure......we were crushed and devastated! However, to this day, we still have FAITH and HOPE that a CURE will be found for our son.
Realizing we have to FIGHT TO SAVE PARKER'S LIFE; we have found a CLINICAL TRIAL for him to participate in. It will, hopefully, provide SOME DYSTROPHIN to give him a better quality of life. He passed the initial phase of testing in Gulfbreeze, FL and is currently participating in further evaluations in Gainesville, FL. Upon completion of these tests, we will go to Iowa for surgery installing a port and performing a muscle biopsy. Afterwards, we will make weekly trips to Gulfbreeze, FL. for infusions; lasting at least 48 weeks, could be longer. In addition, every 12 weeks, trips will be made to Gainesville performing progression tests that will be shared with the FDA. Along with clinical trial travel, Parker has physical therapy twice a week in Hammond, LA and numerous doctor's appointments at Children's Hospital in New Orleans, LA. Near the end of the trial, we'll return back to Iowa for another biopsy.
Due to all the required traveling, James has been and will be missing a lot of work. Since his work is based on commission only, our household income has diminished tremendously and it's causing a huge strain on paying our monthly bills. Any donation would be a wonderful blessing and greatly appreciated.
Thank you and God Bless,
The Zimmerle Family~
James Zimmerle 37, a car salesman and myself Ashley 36, a stay home mom have been married 17 years. We were blessed with 4 healthy children, Peyton 16, Preston 12, Parker 9, and Preslee, 4 years old. Our home is in Denham Springs, LA.
In 2011, we received Parker's diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. We had never heard the words "Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy" before this time; much less knew anything about it.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately 1 in every 3,500 live male births (about 20,000 new cases each year). Because the Duchenne gene is found on the X-chromosome, it primarily affects boys; however, it occurs across all races and cultures. Duchenne results in progressive loss of strength and is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes for dystrophin. Because dystrophin is absent, the muscle cells are easily damaged. The progressive muscle weakness leads to serious medical problems, particularly issues relating to the heart and lungs. Young boys with Duchenne are typically in a power wheelchair by age 12, with a life expectancy into their late 20's.
As we learned more about this FATAL DISEASE; having no known cure......we were crushed and devastated! However, to this day, we still have FAITH and HOPE that a CURE will be found for our son.
Realizing we have to FIGHT TO SAVE PARKER'S LIFE; we have found a CLINICAL TRIAL for him to participate in. It will, hopefully, provide SOME DYSTROPHIN to give him a better quality of life. He passed the initial phase of testing in Gulfbreeze, FL and is currently participating in further evaluations in Gainesville, FL. Upon completion of these tests, we will go to Iowa for surgery installing a port and performing a muscle biopsy. Afterwards, we will make weekly trips to Gulfbreeze, FL. for infusions; lasting at least 48 weeks, could be longer. In addition, every 12 weeks, trips will be made to Gainesville performing progression tests that will be shared with the FDA. Along with clinical trial travel, Parker has physical therapy twice a week in Hammond, LA and numerous doctor's appointments at Children's Hospital in New Orleans, LA. Near the end of the trial, we'll return back to Iowa for another biopsy.
Due to all the required traveling, James has been and will be missing a lot of work. Since his work is based on commission only, our household income has diminished tremendously and it's causing a huge strain on paying our monthly bills. Any donation would be a wonderful blessing and greatly appreciated.
Thank you and God Bless,
The Zimmerle Family~
Organizer
Ashley Abbott Zimmerle
Organizer
Denham Springs, LA
