It never gets better

The disease weakens the muscles, and the initial signs, such as difficulty in walking, can manifest as early as the age of two. As the child grows older, they struggle more with balance. Running and jumping becomes more challenging, and simple tasks like climbing stairs become impossible. As muscle strength declines, children with Duchenne often rely on a wheelchair by the age of ten. Contractures (joint deformities) commonly develop from this age, initially affecting the legs and later the elbows and shoulders, restricting their range of motion. 

"One in five thousand, usually boys, is diagnosed with Duchenne."

Additionally, the spine can become curved (scoliosis). The real challenge is that DMD is more than just a physical disease. It also affects the heart and lungs. Despite having minds as sharp and curious as any other child, their bodies may struggle to keep up. However, some children with Duchenne have intellectual disabilities, and learning and behavioral problems are also more common. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for the 800 children in Belgium with Duchenne. The average life expectancy for a patient is only thirty years.

Let's Goforlander

Research and studies on Duchenne require significant time and resources. Currently, the focus of scientific efforts is on improving the quality of life, as finding a cure for Duchenne still seems distant. "Our family remains positive, especially Lander. He is optimistic and convinced that Duchenne will be cured someday," says Annick Faes. 

Annick is the mother of Lander, a sixteen-year-old boy from Arendonk who suffers from DMD. She founded the Goforlander initiative to raise funds and raise awareness about the disease. This year, they will participate in a sponsored 300-kilometer bike ride, and they will also sell waffles and fruit baskets.

Support Goforlander! Purchase kilometers and power-ups today and help them transform the future of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.