If you know me or any member of my family, then you definitely know my little brother Noah P. Noah was diagnosed very early in life with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. DMD is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to the alterations of a protein called dystrophin that helps keep muscle cells intact. To put it simply, it’s a disease that alters Noah’s ability to regain or rebuild muscle tissue.

From the time of diagnosis, my parents have dedicated their entire lives to caring for Noah. Within the time period of then and now, Noah has been to several doctors and specialists, undergone several operations, and taken various medications. Some have helped, and some have not.

For normal people, the common cold is a minor inconvenience. For Noah, it’s not as easy. As many of you who will read this may know, Noah has been in the hospital for the last couple of weeks battling what started as a cold and has developed into pneumonia. Because of the disease he has, it’s not easy for him to cough up any fluids that build in his lungs, making it very difficult for him to breathe. Through his time in the hospital, there have been several ups and several downs. Not one of them has broken his spirit. Noah fights harder than any person I’ve seen. His will is that of something I’ve never seen.

During this time, my parents have been right beside him, rarely leaving his side. My mother left her job early in Noah’s life to take on the responsibilities of being his primary caregiver, while my dad took on the responsibilities of solely supporting not only my mother and Noah, but myself and my sister as well throughout our younger days.

My dad has not been able to work the last few weeks as he’s been at the hospital with my mother and brother. With him being their only source of income, in a time that unfortunately you can’t afford to skip a beat, my dad has had to step away from work to be there for them. It’s difficult to ask for help but sometimes that’s the only thing to do. Any donation made through this will go directly to helping take care of anything that has been put aside for them as they remain by Noah’s side as he continues to fight for his life. I know that my parents would never ask for themselves so I’m asking for them. If nothing else, give them a call or text letting them know that you’re there for them. I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and encouragement that you’ve given the last few weeks. If you can give anything, even if it’s just a call or text, know that it will be appreciated! Thank you.