Richards Game Controller

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) defines Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) this way: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. 

Here’s how we (family) define it.

By age 6 it’s clear somethings amiss.  Richard's legs look as though their too weak to support the rest of his body.  He falls to the ground unexpectedly, and often.  He’s diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

At age 9 Richard’s uncle observes him playing a board game with cousins in the hallway of their grandparents house.  Two of the three jump to their feet, run for a soda, and return before the third could stand.  Richards nimbleness eludes him.  Much  of his day is spent in his wheelchair.  His cousins love it because they get to ride on it.  They have no idea. 

By age 16 Richard’s motion becomes limited, and the game controller falls from his hand.  Jared, John, Tyson, Joseph, and Justin often have to pick it up from the floor, but at times chose not to, until they catch up (in Madden), because he’s kicking their ass.

By age 23 Richards fingers can no longer hold a game controller.  Perhaps more seriously, his lungs are weakened to the point that they no longer function on their own.  Richard battles several bouts of pneumonia.  Pneumonia wreaks havoc, and Richard surrenders.  A tracheotomy ensues, and from then on Richard will depend on a machine to do his breathing for him.  

Now, Richard is 35.  He spends his days in his bed.  His parents change the television channel for him.  He watches his cousins muddle through various video games.   He listens to audio books.  He observes pictures come up on his digital frame, of others experiencing their world, one very different from his own.

Richards world is about to get a whole.... lot..... bigger!  Uncle D has found (through a colleague) a game controller that would allow Richard to play PS4 games, and navigate the internet (see: http://www.quadstick.com/shop/quadstick-fps-game-controller).  

This Christmas (or ASAP), Richard will begin a new journey.  He'll be tested anew with the welcomed task of learning to play video games with his mouth, which any family reading this knows, will be mastered in no time.  

Any contribution made here, will go toward the technology, software, compatible games, and any additional modification that need to be made, to make this liberating experience a reality!  We cannot wait to see the look on his face when we bring it to him.

Last Christmas it was a T.V. (see this video: https://youtu.be/2xzIZVod8AQ), this Christmas it's a giant chunk of his independence back.

Thank you wholeheartedly for your support.