ASSINIBOIA - Walk, roll and have fun with family and friends while helping support the neuromuscular community. The annual will be held on June 11, and Canadians are urged to rally together to raise much-needed funds.
The funds raised during the Walk4MD support programs and services offered by Muscular Dystrophy Canada, as well as advance research, and raise awareness of neuromuscular disorders.
“Support at this event is so important to the families who are supported by Muscular Dystrophy Canada,” said Geraldine Ruzicka. Her 16-year-old son Preston was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy when he was six years old.
“Muscular Dystrophy Canada have been there for every step, and every day, since he was diagnosed. They have held our hands, and helped us with costs. We couldn’t do it without their support,” added Ruzicka.
The 2022 Walk4MD will once again be a virtual event. Local residents can make a difference by registering, fundraising, and then supporting Walk4MD participants across the country during the virtual event, to be held on June 11 from 1 to 4 p.m.
“Every single dollar counts,” said Ruzicka. “I encourage anyone who wants to donate and participate, as their support is so important at this time.”
Muscular Dystrophy Canada provides programs and services, research and advocacy to support people impacted by neuromuscular disorders. Neuromuscular disorders are defined as health conditions that are caused by spelling changes in the genetic code (mutations) or changes in the autoimmune system that in turn impact muscles and/or the nerves that connect to muscles.
Ruzicka said it is important to raise awareness about Muscular Dystrophy. “We thought it was just one disease, when in fact it is an umbrella term for over 150 different diseases.”
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to the alterations of a protein called dystrophin that helps keep muscle cells intact. DMD is one of four conditions known as dystrophinopathies.
DMD primarily affects boys, but in rare cases it can affect girls. The prevalence of DMD is approximately one in every 3,500 individuals. In Preston’s case, he had a spontaneous mutation of the dystrophin gene that occurs randomly for unknown reasons.
“Duchenne is 100 per cent fatal, currently with few treatments and no cure. Life expectancy is 25 to 30 years,” noted Ruzicka.
Donations for the Walk4MD event are accepted at Coolidge Hearing Care, located at 101- Third Avenue West, or TDC Automotive, located at 103 First Avenue East. .
For more information on Muscular Dystrophy Canada, and their programs and services, residents can go online to the website at www.muscle.ca.
