We are so happy to support the work of Dr. Toshifumi Yokota at the University of Alberta, in Canada. Exon skipping looks promising as a viable therapeutic for Duchenne. Dr. Yokota is taking…

With Congress decamping from Washington and not expected to return until after the November election, we thought we'd revisit one of the few bright spots of bipartisanship this Congress – the enactment of the latest FDA user fee law (PDUFA), known as the FDA Safety and Innovation Act or FDASIA. (Washington loves a good acronym).

Earlier…

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy’s Women’s project is still in need of moms to participate in the Mothers’ Survey. This survey collects information from mothers of children with Duchenne and Becker, including your needs, your strengths, and your wellbeing. The results from this survey will help us develop new…

Sure, I’ve been there, several times, but it has been a long time, more time than I realized. We actually had no plans to visit, but it seemed worth doing, having just spent the weekend in Dowagiac, Michigan, remembering summers long ago. It was an off-hand idea: my daughters Jenny and Michelle were flying back to New York, from South Bend…

Yesterday, we announced that the University of Missouri’s Dongsheng Duan, Ph.D.…

With the 5th annual Coach To Cure MD right around the corner on September 29, 2012, we wanted to tell you why you should make this the year you get in the game and show your support for one of the biggest national awareness campaigns in the Duchenne community. And we wanted you to hear it from families that have participated since the beginning... Here's why the Dumm Family joined the team!

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Fall is the start of a new year for so many of us, in so many different ways. The kids are back at school, the calendar is once again packed, and…

Connor Vassigh is 6 ½ years old and his family have been among our most active participants in Coach To Cure MD over the last few years. Connor hosts a “Muscle Party,” inviting friends and family to have fun, party together, and enjoy a Saturday of football. He is a first grader who…

For several years now, there has been the question of, “Where is the best place to get medical bracelets” and “what should they say?”  Finally, I think we have an answer.

“Lauren’s Hope” started out as “You Name It,” and began as a fun little business making personalized gifts for women and children. They were approached by Lauren’s Hope for A Cure to…

The end of summer and the arrival of autumn brings up a mix of emotions in both parents and their children. Back to school is exciting, a new start. But it also means the end of summer and the beginning of the flurry of activity – schedules, calendars, multitasking. This month, Colorado…

Parents of children with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy often experience a diagnostic odyssey that is too long and too emotionally difficult. Parents who have shared the story of their diagnoses told us:

“My son’s pediatrician blew off my concerns and told me some children just develop slower than others.  During the following months I repeatedly…

Cardiac care and cardiomyopathy remain major areas of interest and concern for all people with Duchenne. While advances in respiratory care have improved respiratory outcomes, dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure remain the leading cause of death in Duchenne.…

With the 5th annual Coach To Cure MD right around the corner on September 29, 2012, we wanted to tell you why you should make this the year you get in the game and show your support for one of the biggest national awareness campaigns in the Duchenne community. And we wanted you to hear it from families that have participated since the beginning... Here's why the Cook Family joined the team!

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Back to school is sometimes more difficult for parents than for their children. This is especially true when their children have developmental or other disabilities that affect their ability to participate in the general curriculum. These children may require specialized supports and services to be successful. Navigating and working with a team of educators and other…

Hello,

My son is in the 7th grade. I have been trying to get him an assistant in the event that he cannot move anymore. However, I have been unsuccessful. The special day class teacher is adamant that she is going to make my son independent. The truth is my son is independent. He likes to do things himself if he can. My son is the the GATE classes. He will soon need an assistant to help him with the simplest thing that need physical strength such as writing or math work. He also has…

With the 5th annual Coach To Cure MD right around the corner on September 29, 2012, we wanted to tell you why you should make this the year you get in the game and show your support for one of the biggest national awareness campaigns in the Duchenne community. And we wanted you to hear it from families that have participated since the beginning... First up is the Poysky Family!

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Regarding the recent articles about Jenny McNary's two sons:  Sarepta's Chris Garabedian says:

Parents and patients will be crucial to making that case to the FDA, he says: 'Here are parents who are willing to sign waivers that say, 'I don't care that this drug hasn't been tested fully ... because I know the alternative."



How can we in the PPMD community most effectively make this case?  Because of the publicity McNary has received, the public seems to understand the importance…

PPMD Note: Mary Connolly recently joined PPMD as Vice President of Development. She comes to us from Episcopal Social Services, Gilda’s Club, and the United Way.

Last month I had the pleasure of assisting at two very inspirational events. On August 4, I was a race official for the 17^th Annual River to Sea Relay (a 92-mile…

Yes, summer is winding down, and the welcoming of fall brings many things – cooler weather, wonderful fall colors, the beginning of school and, unfortunately, the start of flu season. Every year, thousands of people get the flu. While it can be an inconvenience for some, the flu has resulted in thousands of deaths.…

Congratulations to racecar driver & Duchenne advocate Shea Holbrook for finishing 4th in the Pirelli World Challenge Championship!

Shea is one of this community's biggest advocates and we are so grateful that she continues to use her rising star in the world of racing to bring awareness to Duchenne.

“I know the…