A little boy with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Hi, my name is Normandy and I am fundraising for my nephew, Zachary Valentine. Zachary has a rare genetic condition known as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy which “is characterized by progressive muscle damage and weakness.

Sometimes shortened to DMD or Duchenne, this rare disease is caused by a genetic mutation that prevents the body from producing a protein called dystrophin. Dystrophin acts like a shock absorber when muscles contract. Without dystrophin, muscles become more and more damaged and weakened. They may also lose the ability to repair themselves after an injury. Over time, children with Duchenne will develop problems walking and breathing, and eventually, the heart and the muscles that help them breathe will stop working. Duchenne is an irreversible, progressive disease. While there have been many advancements in the management of Duchenne, there is no cure at present” (copied from duchenne.com).

Zachary is turning 16 this December and time is of the absolute essence!! This angel is currently in a wheel chair most of the day. He wears braces on his hands and legs at night to aid in stretching his muscles. He is on Emflaza, which is a steroid to help reduce the effects of Duchenne, as well as lisinopril to help keep his heart muscles strong over time. His mothers name is Brianne and his fathers name is Zach. As time moves forward, more obstacles wait for them. One of the more urgent things they need for Zachary is a handicapped accessible van with an automatic lift. His doctors appointments are a little over three hours away and they need a reliable vehicle that does not require maintenance. I would also love for Zachary to

be able to go to enjoy the beach or water parks without having to worry about how they will get there. They also need to remodel their bathroom to be handicapped accessible for Zachary, as it is currently not wide enough for him to fit and so he must be carried. These are just a few important things to make his and their life easier and without so many obstacles.

Pictures will be provided of everything purchased with the funds that are raised. I will gladly keep everyone updated of his condition and progress.

Please help us raise funds for Zachary. There is no cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and so I ask that you help us make the quality of his life as amazing as possible!!! God bless.