Newmarket is joining towns and cities across the globe today to raise awareness by shining a light on a rare genetic disease predominantly affecting young boys.
Lights will be red at Riverwalk Commons and the Fred A. Lundy Bridge on Water Street for World Duchenne Awareness Day on Sept. 7 at 8 p.m.
“We are working every day to ensure that each child facing a Duchenne diagnosis has a fighting chance through swift access to cutting-edge treatments and care that can preserve their muscles and extend their lives,” said Lisa McCoy, chief executive officer of Defeat Duchenne Canada.
According to the organization, Duchenne muscular dystrophy affects about one in 5,000 males worldwide. Families typically find out their child has it by the age of two to six. Cities across the country such as Red Deer, Alta. and Victoria, B.C., will join in on the event and shine a light red.
"Each red light this weekend represents our community's unwavering commitment to those battling Duchenne,” said McCoy. “It's a call for access to treatments, earlier diagnoses, better support and care, and increased funding for research.”
The Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Registry estimates there are more than 800 boys and young men living with DMD in the country.
The disease is caused by a genetic mutation of DMD, disrupting a protein dystrophin responsible for muscle structure and function. Without it, the muscles become weak and cannot work properly, which leads to the progressive symptoms attributed to Duchenne. The disease is defined by muscle weakness affecting the skeletal muscles, lungs, and heart.
There is currently no cure for the disease, however, advancements in treatments, like corticosteroids, have been shown to lengthen the life expectancy of males with the disease.
Spectators are encouraged to share their photos of landmarks and buildings on social media by tagging @DefeatDuchenne across all platforms to spread the message further.
