Donna Saccomanno and I sat at the registration table. Over 100 parents attended the conference. It was the first conference for David and Mary Mesick. Their 5 year old son, Bryan had recently been diagnosed with Duchenne. Their heart was breaking. They came to the conference to learn how to navigate – care, research, hope. David and Mary jumped right in and soon David was on the PPMD Board and Mary involved in a broad range of education and fundraising efforts. Bryan and brother Allan’s smiles were the headlines of every event.

In June, things changed for Bryan. His heart started to fail. Ace inhibitors, Milrinone drips – nothing seemed to slow the decline. And from June until today, October 6, David, Mary and Allan spent those last days and hours with Bryan. David would call us trying to sound strong, but you could hear that edge in his voice, the quiver, that silent scream.

Last night David called just after Bryan died. He was just 15. David said Bryan died peacefully. I could hear his heart was breaking.

To David, Mary and Allan Mesick – our hearts, our prayers, our strength are with you. Bryan, we will see you again, my friend. We will shake your hand, see you your smile, watch you run. Thank you for touching our lives.