About

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle wasting which almost always occurs in boys. As the muscles break down over time they are unable to regenerate. The disease gradually weakens the skeletal or voluntary muscles, namely those in the arms, legs and trunk. Eventually the heart and respiratory muscles may also be affected, ultimately causing failure. Since the discovery of this disease the prognosis has remained the same. The boys will start to show signs of muscle weakness in the legs as early as age 3 and will likely be in a wheelchair by age 10. The life expectancy of Duchenne boys is late teens to early twenties.

For more information:
CureDuchenne.org
Muscular Dystrophy Association