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Stand up for those who can't

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My name is Paul Tumanda and I am 21 years old. I am afflicted with a rare genetic disorder called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy  (DMD). DMD is a muscle wasting disease that progressively destroys the muscles of the body. DMD is a disease that is transmitted genetically, which means you can't catch it from another person or get it from the environment. You inherit it at birth and so far there is no known cure for it. I have lost the use of my arms and legs and confined to a wheelchair now. Because your diaphragm is a muscle, DMD has affected my ability to breath on my own, therefore I needed to have a tracheostomy last year, so I am now on a ventilator 24/7.
Luckily I still have enough muscle movement left in my fingertips to control the joystick that operates my electric wheelchair. I also have a mouth operated device called a Quadstick which makes it possible for me to use a computer and other devices. I intend to make the most of my ability and with your help to pursue a BA in Computer Science which will allow me to overcome this disability and get a job. 
I pledge to donate one-half of the money gained from this site to DMD research so future victims of this disease can have a better life. The other half of the proceeds from this site will go towards my college education. I started classes last year at UAA but could not afford to continue this year. I hope you will help me attain this goal by giving generously to my cause.

Organizer

Paul Tumanda
Organizer
Wasilla, AK

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