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).
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, the first sign is a 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…
DMD : 3 lives, 3 journeys
« 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. Watch the documentary.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Access to new treatments in Canada: a maze
Canada is the only industrialized country without policies/categories for rare diseases. Learn more about Canada’s approval process here.
Gene Replacement Therapy
Discover the adenovirus-associated micro-dystrophin gene replacement therapy, by watching this interview with geneticist Dr. Jeffrey Chamberlain.
Gene Therapy and Exon skipping
Understand the development of treatments using gene therapy and exon skipping in this interview with Professor Georges Dickson.
Repurposing existing drugs for DMD
Various combinations of existing drugs offer a faster and less expensive development process. Learn more with Professor Steve J. Winder.
CRISPR/Cas9
Learn about CRISPR/Cas9 technology for DMD and discover Professor Jacques Tremblay’s work by viewing this interview.
Osteoprotegerin (OPG)
Learn about the potential benefits of OPG for Duchenne muscular dystrophy in this interview with Professor Jérôme Frenette.