Plymouth's Jett Foundation Honoring World Duchenne Awareness Day

If you've never heard of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), it's a progressive neuromuscular disease that has no cure.

Not yet, at least.

On Thursday, Sept. 7, the Jett Foundation in Plymouth is honoring those who suffer from Duchenne during a global day of recognition. Sept. 7 is also World Duchenne Awareness Day and the non-profit organization is bringing families, Duchenne experts and industry partners together virtually for events throughout the day.

These events will recognize different aspects of life with Duchenne and acknowledge the challenges still to come. The Jett Foundation's theme is "Breaking Down Barriers." The foundation is extending an open invitation to anyone interested in joining the virtual events throughout the day.

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Executive Director Eric Snyder will kick off the online event with a welcome message, followed by a “Breaking Barriers” panel discussion moderated by Two Disabled Dudes podcast hosts Sean Baumstark and Kyle Bryant. At 5 p.m., the community can tune in to adaptive demonstrations and finally a virtual Luminaria Ceremony at 7 to close out the day.

According to the Jett Foundation, Duchenne is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that causes a loss of motor, pulmonary and cardiac function and is diagnosed during childhood, affecting 1 in 5,000 live male births and some females. Eventually, the health of those diagnosed will decline over time, and those people usually lose their ability to walk around the age of 12 and only live to their early to mid-20s.

The Jett Foundation has worked to empower people and families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy through the development of transformative programming, educational opportunities, and ongoing support for every stage of a Duchenne journey since 2001. For more information on Duchenne, contact Gabriella Costa at gabriella@jettfoundation.org or 774-226-3694.

Again, there may not be a cure, but thanks to the Jett Foundation, there is hope.