After donating blood yesterday morning at a semi-annual blood drive (the blood donations ensure that Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children never has to buy blood for their patients), my wife, son, and I spent yesterday volunteering at “Sam’s Day.”
Who is Sam?
Sam is a six-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. One of nine types of muscular dystrophy, Duchenne is one of the worst that you can get. It is the leading genetic killer of young boys.
By age 12, most kids with it have to use a wheelchair to get around. Muscles deteriorate, the body becomes severely deformed, and few children live beyond their late teens with it. Towards the end, it is common to be placed on a ventilator in order to even breathe. And the whole time, the mind remains alert, i.e. the child knows what’s happening.
It’s a parent’s worst nightmare…and you have to wonder what you would do if your own child was diagnosed with it. Hopefully, your response would be something as positive as Sam’s Day.
And what is Sam’s Day?
Sam’s Day was created by his parents and family friends as a way to raise funds to help find a cure for Duchenne. 100% of the funds raised go towards Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy’s research programs. Featuring entertainment by Radio Disney, and with filled with activities that kids of all ages like (bounce houses, magicians, etc.), it is a great way to help others while having a good time in the process. You can read more about Sam’s Day here. And here’s the link to a video where Sam tells you about it himself.
How You Can Help
Right now, you can make a donation to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy by clicking this link. Or, you can write a check to “Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy” and send it to Kathrine Foster, Northwestern Mutual, 12221 Merit Drive, Suite 1500, Dallas, Texas 75251. Check with your employer because your donation might qualify for matching funds.
Here’s a video with more information about Duchenne.
And next year, be sure to attend Sam’s Day. I look forward to seeing you there.
