Help Ollie Fight Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Hope For Ollie

In July 2022, Ollie was officially diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy or DMD. For those who don’t know DMD is a genetic disorder that affects 1 in 5,000 children, mostly boys. Duchenne is characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to the alterations of a protein called dystrophin that helps keep muscle cells intact. This means that as Ollie grows and develops, his body’s muscles will degenerate and be replaced with fatty tissue. On top of this being a rare muscle disease, Ollie's specific deletion is even more rare and progression of his muscle deterioration is accelerated. Consequently, by the age of eight Ollie will lose his ability to walk, and as he gets older he will develop respiratory and cardiac issues, before eventually losing his long battle with Duchenne.

Something that you're told as a parent early on from the doctors is that there are many clinical trials available, and they are hopeful that it is only a matter of time before there is a breakthrough. It is because of this that we are hopeful and optimistic that there will be a cure for Ollie. Currently, there is still hope that Ollie will be eligible for the new trials, due to his age and walking ability etc; however, we must act fast before this disease takes hold, and the chance for a cure or just slowing down the disease has passed.

We are here to ask for you to help Ollie in his fight against Duchenne. We are seeking donations so that Ollie can live his best life, from basic comforts to helping him get on a list for a life altering clinical trial. We are fundraising for Ollie and his bright future.

As we go through this new challenge in life there will be many dark shadows. As such, we look to our community, friends and family for a silver lining. The Bow Valley is a kind hearted community, full of those who have always gone above and beyond for their community members in need. Now we are reaching out for support and help as our family goes through this life alternating time.

We are fundraising for new medical treatments and advancements to further Ollie’s life expectancy and life comforts. With all this in mind Ollie is still our little best friend who never fails to make us laugh and smile. He's just your typical boy, who loves dancing on the couch to 80’s music videos or playing with his toy trucks. He loves being outdoors playing in puddles or sandpits; he truly is the love of our life and we will do whatever it takes to save him. We are forever grateful for any donations we may receive, no matter how large or small.

Living with this chronic grief and the idea of losing your child is not an easy one to live with. However, this is our journey ahead. Ollie is a truly remarkable individual, and we are ready to fight to keep him alive and well. Please donate if you are in a position to do so, and if you are not, then please share. Spreading awareness of this disease is a benefit to us and to everyone suffering from it.