Our precious James is a real boy boy. He loves cars, trucks, and trains. He adores the movie Cars and Lightning McQueen. And somehow he can hear airplanes and helicopters miles away.
James has a genetic disease called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). He was only 3 months old when he was diagnosed with this angry, degenerative disease. The moment we heard the words, "Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy" the hopes and dreams we had for his life were forever changed.
To see him you would never know the ugly things happening inside his muscles. All you see is the happy smile, curious eyes, and those amazing dimples. You would never guess that he is the 1 in 3,500 boys born with Duchenne's. Would never imagine that this disease will rob him of his ability to run and keep up with his friends, put him in a wheel chair by age 12, and weaken his heart and lung muscles making it difficult to breathe. As research and treatments stand today, James could lose his beautiful life in his late teens or early 20's.
We are desperate for help! James' future needs to change!
James is now 3 years old and we are starting to see the efftects of the Duchenne. His gait is slightly akward, he tires easily, and he can't yet run or jump. His doctors have even started talking about steriods......
There is no cure for Duchenne's, only steriods that have unpleasant side-effects and only put off the inevitable. Duchenne's is fatal.
CureDuchenne is an organization founded by parents of a Duchenne boy. They work with the leading researchers in the world to identify the most promising and cutting-edge treatments for DMD that will hopefully lead to a cure. Scientists are close to finding therapies that could dramatically slow down or even completely stop the progression of Duchenne, and give James a fairly normal lifespan. Human trials of some therapies have already met with success. The cure is within our grasp!!!
Please, please consider donating to CureDuchenne! Their goal is simple: Find a cure for Duchenne's muscular dystrophy and save THIS generation of boys. They are working to save James' life.
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts. Your donations are tax deductable. Many thanks for your support -- and please forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!
There is no such thing as a donation too small or too big. Pennies and dollars add up.
Please pray for our precious James, our family, and the people working diligently for a cure. May God bless you and your family.
With humbled appreciation,
Mardee and Tony DeSantis
Thanks to an anonymous donor, James' original goal was reached!!! God bless you and your generosity!
Please visit www.cureduchenne.org to learn more.