Duchenne and Ukraine

Like the rest of the world, I have been riveted to the murderous saga going on in Ukraine. The Russian president has earned an inglorious spot in history as an evil despot. The intentional bombing of homes, hospitals and nurseries hurts me the most.

The consequences of an unnecessary invasion are so unjustified. So is Duchenne, the dream killer.

Evil arising from power and godlessness and DMD have parallels. Each can be unforeseen. Each is rare but far too common. Each painfully costs lives. Each punishes families. Each should be avoidable if only the right commitment was made to find and implement better alternatives.  

I am confident that evil in Europe will lose, again, but only at great cost to us all. It will be worth it in the end.

As for Duchenne, a cure is not so certain, at least in the foreseeable future based on past research and medical results. Nonetheless, we cannot quit fighting for our freedom from such dreadful rare disease.  

The Russian attack is being met with measured sanctions and force. With DMD, we should embark on a full court press without worrying about measured incremental steps to a cure. It is time to swing for the fences with respect to ending Duchenne. 

Like the Ukrainian president, let’s us DMD constituents stand tall, be vocal, not accept moderate efforts at success, and out tough evil. Freedom comes in a variety of Life’s packages. Whether defending a military invasion against a peace loving people or a quest to stop a rare deadly disease like Duchenne, let’s not impede the solutions with measured responses but rather bring to bear all available resources to overwhelm the evil enemy.

The good fight needs a more forceful counter-punch. Whether Putin’s mad ambition or the devastation of Duchenne, let’s make sure that might makes right in favor of Good.

Kindly yours,

Papa in Tennessee