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For the first time in the history of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, also known as DMD, we see a glimmer of hope emerging on the horizon.

The Force’s mission is to unite the DMD community to raise awareness around a common objective: that of providing access to new treatments as fast as possible and to participate in the funding of promising research projects.

Science and technology have never before advanced at a faster rate than we are now seeing! Treatments conceived with the objective of improving the quality of life of afflicted children and young adults will soon be upon us AND recent developments lead us to believe that we are on the verge of curing this very grave disease that is Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

« Living with DMD » – The documentary

Dakota, age 6, Anakin, age 10, and Karl, age 35, have one thing in common: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Understand the realities of the theses families by watching our documentary. DMD is fatal and has no cure.

DMD : 3 LIVES, 3 JOURNEYS

Dakota, at age 6…

In 2018

Dakota was still walking, but was losing strength. As he was also afflicted with autism, his parents were faced with the tough choice of not giving him steroids, a DMD treatment with strong side effects.

Read the Albert family’s story here.

Anakin, at age 11…

In 2018

Anakin, 10 years-old, has just lost the ability to walk. The osteopath, Bruce Babington, treating him is about to cycle across Canada to raise funds and awareness about the disease…

Read the Lacasse family’s story here

Carl, at age 35…

In 2018

Life expectancy for kids with DMD usually being 25 years, Karl defied all the odds. Because his family couldn’t afford the necessary equipment to take care of him at home, he now lives in a home for the elderly.

Read the Marier family’s story here

DMD GUIDE

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare disease, for which there is no cure. To ensure that young patients receive treatments that will relieve and delay the progress of DMD, it is important to establish a diagnosis quickly and to identify the genetic cause of the disease.

DMD Symptoms

How do you know your child has Duchenne muscular dystrophy? What are the symptoms and warning signs?

Often, a first sign is delay in the development of muscle functions. Here is a quick overview of what you need to know about this …

DMD Diagnosis

Establishing an early diagnosis is key to your child’s well-being. If your doctor suspects DMD, it is essential to get a clear diagnosis as fast as possible.

Here’s what you should know about how your MD and a neuromuscular specialist will come to a diagnosis

DMD Management

What do you do when your child is diagnosed with DMD?

How will the disease evolve and what can you do as a parent to ensure you’re making the right decisions about treatment as DMD progresses? Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know…

FAMILIES ARE FIGHTING

DMD is a rare disease. Consequently, resources are limited in every way, from research to access to new treatments and equipment. Families have been taking the lead by creating their own organizations. Our documentary series “Portrait of DMD” presents the leading Canadian families.

Across Canada to raise funds for research

Twenty years ago, the Davidson family faced of DMD children’s inevitable fate for their son Jesse. John, his father, decided to walk across Canada to raise money for research. Their organization, Jesse’s Journey, continues on it’s mission to defeat DMD.

Play here.

Battling to access new treatments

After receiving a DMD diagnosis for her son, Marie-Catherine Du Berger and her friend decided to found an organization. For five years now, The Force has battled the odds with help of local athletes who went beyond their limits.

Play here.

He gets robotic arm for his brother and launches his own organization

When his brother Guillaume lost his motor skills in his arms, Samuel raised funds to get a JACO arm. Even though his brother died, Samuel created his own organization and to this day continues to push it forward.

Play here.

New treatments: Hope on the horizon

There has never been more hope in history than at this time. Technology and research are at a crossroads and there are several opportunities for emerging treatments to be developed. Get a glimpse of the most promising research and treatments in this series of interviews.