Fighting Back Against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Rick & Elizabeth Gardiner founded “Andy’s Team” after receiving the diagnosis that their son Andy has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Determined to fight back, Andy’s Team has been working with Jesse’s Journey helping to fund D.M.D. research projects.
What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a disease for which there is no cure. Those with Duchenne begin to lose the use of their muscles and their independence when they are youngsters. Striking one of every 3500 boys, Duchenne brings crushing news to 20,000 families around the world every year. It is the most common life-limiting genetic disorder in early childhood.
What is Jesse’s Journey?
John Davidson is one Dad among the thousands of fathers who have heard the news that their son has a life-threatening disease. Canadians came to know the story of Jesse’s Journey in 1995 when this ordinary Dad pushed his son 3300 kilometres across Ontario in his wheelchair to raise funds for research. It was the beginning of a father and sons determination to rid the world of a disease that robs parents of their most precious gift, their children.
The journey didn’t end there. Three years later John Davidson spent ten months on the road walking across Canada and helped build Jesse’s Journey into Canada’s major source of independent research funding into finding a cure for Duchenne.
While Jesse Davidson lost his battle with Duchenne in 2009, his legacy lives on.
A torch has been passed and Rick and Elizabeth Gardiner are carrying that torch. Knowing their son Andy is in a race with time, Rick and Elizabeth have been fundraising tirelessly. Lending your support to the Gardiner family will make you a part of the journey family – on the road to a cure!
