Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular condition which is found in 1 in 3500 boys.
It is caused by mutation in the dysyrophin gene – which is the longest gene in our human body which generates protien and supports the muscle strength on our body.
The mutation caused because of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy leads to a faulty dystrophin gene and results in absence of dysyrophin and thus a progressive muscle condition.
This is caused by faulty x gene in the body and since boys only have one copy of x gene, it results in a muscle wasting condition. The boys loose their ability to walk by the teens and life expectancy is nearly thirty years.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is passed on from a parent to child but there are approximately 35% of the cases where it is not inherited. So it can technically effect anyone, including Ryo – no reason known.
Unfortunately, till date there is no cure. As of now this condition is 100% fatal. There are numerous research and trials going across the globe and with million of fingers crossed, we hope we soon find a cure!
HopingLife is an attempt to raise awareness about Duchenne and aiming and hoping to find a cure to save Ryo and all young boys! It needs awareness and because had it achieved the same awareness as other life threatening conditions get like cancer – we would have had a cure or nearing a cure!! The boys need it, soon and very soon!
More details can be seen on Wikipedia –
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duchenne_muscular_dystrophy
