Giving Thanks On An Anninversary

September 7th is World Duchenne Day, a day for DMD constituents to raise awareness of the fatal disease that affects thousands of new children each year and to encourage funding for the search to end Duchenne.

Around this time last year, I asked the Tennessee Governor’s Office to proclaim September as Duchenne Awareness Month and Governor Bill Lee obliged. Thank you, Governor.

Local firemen spent a Saturday in September “passing the boot”, having donors literally place their dollars inside a fireman’s boot. Thank you, firemen.

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy and Cure Duchenne sponsored fun events such as races and walks to raise awareness and funds. Thank you PPMD and CureDuchenne.

Yesterday was my 43rd wedding anniversary with a very loving wife. Our grandson Hayes is our special buddy. He visited us as is usual on the weekends and he blew us away with how smart he is which is also typical. The roses, cards, story-telling and good eats were wonderful, but our grandson’s laughter and curiosity were absolutely Life enhancing. Hayes, thank you.

My hope and prayer this anniversary is that, by this time next year, there will be good reason for us Duchenne families to be more hopeful for an end to Duchenne before too many more anniversaries pass. Time is not on our side; however, the hope brought by advancing medical science and the increasing awareness of our challenge keep us uplifted each day.

To everyone involved in developing treatments and ultimately a cure, including doctors, nurses, scientists, fundraisers, researchers, and community organizers; thank you.

To those Duchenne families who have made it another year, thank you for your strength and courage. You are an inspiration to other families.

Thank you.

Kindly,

Papa in Tennessee