[make sure to read to the end of the post to make sure you don’t miss out on the fundraiser!]
About the condition
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.
Muscle weakness is the principal symptom of DMD, first affecting the muscles close to the core of the body before developing into weakness in the muscles closer to the extremities.
Later on, the heart and respiratory muscles are affected as well. Progressive weakness and scoliosis result in lowered lung function which can eventually cause acute respiratory failure, and - the heart being a muscle - is also at risk of deterioration and eventually cardiac failure.
This condition is life-limiting and life shortening, with the current life expectancy being mid-twenties. However, advances in pulmonary and cardiac medicine mean that the life span of many sufferers has been prolonged, with many people living into their 30s and beyond.
How does DMD impact my life?
This condition is still fairly new to me, being the condition that my boyfriend - Sam - suffers from. It isn’t new to him, however. The condition itself is heartbreaking, and thinking about it too much terrifies me, but he reassures me, calms me down when I’m sobbing on the phone, and always somehow makes me smile at the end of the most awful conversations that most people our age don’t even have to think about having. The way that he copes and keeps so positive is admirable, he is lucky to have the most supportive mum who gives him the best care and the best life she possibly can, but even those closest to him can’t begin to understand the physical and mental challenges that he faces on a daily basis. And still, he is the strongest, bravest, most selfless person I have ever met; he would do literally anything for me, cares so much about me & my health more than his own, and couldn’t be a better boyfriend given the the situation we’re both in and the illnesses in the lives we both live.
Sam’s perspective of life with DMD
'DMD is such a hard condition to live with and I've struggled in the past with accepting the condition and living with it. With the support of family members, friends and health professionals I look at life differently.
I live everyday to the fullest, I stay positive about everything and if something gets me down I talk about it. By talking to others with DMD I understand that we all go through similar things and that has helped.
Now that Katie is in my life I've become even more positive about things and she supports me so wonderfully. I can't imagine life without her love and support’.
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FLASH FUNDRAISER FOR DMD
I am holding a raffle in aid of those who suffer from this condition, with 100% of the funds from the tickets sold going towards Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Tickets cost £1 and draw will be held when 100 tickets have been sold.
A countdown to the number of tickets left will be displayed below and updated on both my blog (https://www.braverybottles.blogspot.com) as well as the ‘Bravery Bottles’ Facebook Page (https://m.facebook.com/katiefantblog/).
The prizes are as follows:
- Netflix subscription gift card
- Kindle subscription gift card
- Spotify subscription gift card
To enter, simply go to www.paypal.me/braverybottles, enter the amount of the cost of ticket(s) you’d like to purchase, and keep checking the amount of tickets left before the randomised draw!
Thank you to each and every person who contributes!
TICKETS LEFT TO SELL: 0
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And the winners are........
