Walt Disney World Half Marathon January 2010

Pamela Lee Goal: $15,000.00 Achieved: $11,290.00

The Race for Christopher

November 6th marks exactly one year since Michael and I received the news of our son Christopher’s devastating diagnosis. While much of the shock has abated since then, the heartbreak continues until a treatment or cure can be found. On that day last November, we were told that our seemingly perfectly healthy 2-year-old boy had Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a fatal genetic disorder. The doctors told us that Christopher would probably lose the ability to walk by age 10 to 12, the use of his arms by his late teens, and would not likely survive his twenties. There is currently no cure. Duchenne affects approximately one in every 3,500 boys and is a progressive disease that slowly causes complete loss of muscle function. Although Duchenne is a genetic disorder, approximately 35% of cases occur because of a random spontaneous mutation. Duchenne can affect any family.

There is hope.

For the first time in the history of this disease, there are clinical trials underway for treatments that have the potential to dramatically slow its progression. These treatments may change Duchenne into a disease that can be managed over a lifetime, much like diabetes is today. And there are many other research initiatives underway, all pursuing promising advances. However, research takes a long time, is extremely expensive and is often delayed due to lack of funding.

We are in a race against time, as each day, with each step, Christopher’s muscles weaken. That is why I have decided to participate in the Walt Disney World Half Marathon in support of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy. Those of you who know me, know I am not a runner. One year ago this was something I would have never dreamt of doing. Then again, just one year ago I would never have imagined the race we are faced with now.

We need your help.

Your donation, large or small, will fund research and help researchers in their quest to turn good ideas into viable treatments and cures. Together, we can change the outcome for Christopher and thousands of boys like him.

To make a tax-deductible donation online, click "Make a Gift" above the thermometer

or you can send a check made out to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (please put my name in the memo) and send the check to our home address at:
7739 South Boulder Road
Boulder, CO 80303

Thank you for your support.

Pamela Lee

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