Learning that your son has Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is watching your child lose his muscular ability month after month. This is Jean-Philippe Morand’s reality: his son Victor is stricken with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In adversity, some men go beyond their limits, and this is what Jean-Philippe will do again on Saturday, September 12, by participating in the 124th Boston Marathon in the company of his two sons Victor and Vincent. They are on a mission to raise awareness about Duchenne. Every effort to raise awareness about this rare and devastating disease will help us facilitate access to new treatments. Victor will accompany Jean-Philippe in a racing chair.
Jean-Philippe Morand – « For 5 years since I started running, in order to bring this sport to life for my son, Victor, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It must be said that I am more of a cyclist at the base! Several races and marathons including the one in May 2019 where I qualified for Boston 2020. I had to go run it alone in April 2020 because Victor is not of the required age, but the Boston edition has been converted into an edition virtual and will be held on September 12th.
I will therefore have the pleasure of running the 124th edition of the Boston Marathon with Victor on September 12th. The Clan Morand is Victor and me, but also Vincent who will be my official “rabbit pacer” on the bike.
I invite you to come and cheer us on Saturday, September 12th, come run or roll km with us. »[ Facebook event ]
124th Boston Marathon to be Held Virtually
The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) has announced that the 124th Boston Marathon will be held as a virtual event, following Boston Mayor Martin Walsh’s cancellation of the marathon as a mass participation road running event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual Boston Marathon will be complemented by a series of virtual events throughout the second week of September. [ Read more here ]
Victor was diagnosed with Duchenne
DMD is an incurable and 100% fatal disease. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare genetic disorder that mainly affects boys. The progression of DMD is unforgiving: the body’s muscles gradually weaken, leaving the boys in a wheelchair at the age of 12, with a life expectancy of 20 to 30 years. Today there is hope for DMD, and several new treatments are on the horizon.
Raising funds and awareness to access new treatments
Within the next 5 to 10 years (or even before then), some new treatment options should be on their way to completion. Now, treatments are approved in the US and Europe, but not yet available in Canada. Therefore, educating people about what Duchenne is and about access to new therapies is extremely important. It will help children like Victor access the latest treatments rapidly before the disease has evolved too much.
Please support them
There’s nothing better than a father’s courage to raise awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Today there is hope for DMD, and several new treatments are on the horizon. This hope motivates Jean-Philippe to go beyond his limits for his son, but what he does also benefit all children with DMD. Le Clan Morand invites you to donate $ 10 / KM run with them. [ here ]
The La Force DMD team is proud to support Jean-Philippe Morand and his family.
Other interesting articles
- Jean-Philippe and Victor race for DMD
- It’s done 704 km in hope to cure Duchenne
- One more marathon for Jean-Philippe and Victor
- Joining forces to contribute to Canadian research projects
- Video – Victor’s unforgettable experience
