Hope for Joey- A Bright Light in this Challenging Journey

Hello, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking a moment to read our story.

My name is Jen, and I’m the proud mom of an incredible 7-year-old boy named Joey—though most people call him JJ. Joey is a bundle of light and laughter. He loves hiking, traveling, collecting rocks, studying bugs, and playing games. His curiosity knows no bounds, and his heart is even bigger. His family, friends, and furry companions mean the world to him. He’s been a bright light since the day he was born, and we couldn’t be more proud of the kind, joyful little boy he’s growing up to be.

But last year, our world changed.

Joey was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)—a rare and progressive genetic disorder that weakens the muscles over time. It’s a diagnosis that no person or parent is ever prepared for. It affects everything from mobility to heart and lung function, and it shortens life expectancy. But even in the face of this, our spirits remain optimistic.

We are holding on to hope.

Joey has been approved for a cutting-edge treatment called Elevidys gene therapy. While it isn’t a cure, it’s one of the most promising treatments available—and it’s giving us hope for his future. As part of the therapy, Joey will need to quarantine for three months. During this time, I’ll need to pause my career so I can care for him full-time and make sure everything goes smoothly.

Three months is a long time to be out of work—but I believe in the power of community, and that’s why I’m reaching out.

If you’re able to contribute, no matter the amount, it would mean the world to us. Your support will help cover living expenses while I step away from work to take care of my sweet boy through this critical time.

If you’re not in a position to donate, we completely understand—and we’d be so grateful if you could share Joey’s story. The more people we can reach, the more love and support we can bring into his life.

From the bottom of our hearts—thank you. Thank you for reading, for caring, and for walking alongside us in this journey. We are so grateful for you.

With love,

Jen & Joey (JJ)