Doug’s Story
Ride For Doug was an idea born when the pain of a cry for help met the roaring thunder of a biker’s resolve. Doug is, and always will be, my Little Biker. He was two years old when the shock of a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy diagnosis turned our world upside down faster than a high side at Sears Point.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a lifelong challenge we are just beginning. Doug is gradually losing his muscle strength. He can’t run and jump with the other kids in his class. Some days, just climbing the stairs is a workout. Day by day, DMD is stealing the strength of his muscles. It is hard to watch as a parent, knowing that I’ll never get to take Doug to hockey practice, or teach him to drive a car, or ride a motorcycle. Sometimes it feels like life just isn’t fair.
If there’s one thing that I have learned over the years, it is that you should never underestimate the strength of a motorcyclist’s spirit, nor the kindness of his or her heart. I’m drawing on that strength with Ride For Doug. By riding with us, you are showing the world that we will not ignore those who are suffering. You are showing my family that you care, and that when our strength begins to wane, that we will not be alone.
But most of all, you are making Doug one of us. You are giving my Little Biker one heck of a group ride to be part of. And doesn’t that beat the pants off your regular Sunday afternoon ride?
– Cam (Doug’s Dad)
What is Muscular Dystrophy?
Definition
Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a genetic disorder that weakens the muscles that help the body move. People with MD have incorrect or missing information in their genes, which prevents them from making the proteins they need for healthy muscles. Because MD is genetic, people are born with the problem — it’s not contagious and you can’t catch it from someone who has it.
MD weakens muscles over time, so children, teens, and adults who have the disease gradually lose the ability to do the things most people take for granted like walking or sitting up. With MD, muscle problems can begin in childhood or adulthood.
(from kidshealth.org)
Muscular Dystrophy Canada
All funds raised by Ride For Doug go to Muscular Dystrophy Canada – unless a specific project for the year has been specified.
One Minute Medical School
You can view the video here: One Minute Medical School
More Information
How can you help?
Doug’s Family
