Articles

Some forms of muscular dystrophies are seen in infancy or childhood, while others may not appear until middle age or later. Duchenne MD is the most common form of MD and primarily affects boys. Onset is between three and five years and the disorder progresses rapidly. Most boys are unable to walk by age 12 and later need a respirator to breathe. Girls in these families have a 50 percent chance of inheriting or passing the defective gene to their children. Sadly, there is no specific treatment to stop or reverse any form of MD. Treatment may include physical, respiratory and speech therapy, orthopedic appliances used for support and corrective orthopedic surgery. Maxine Strydom, a parent whose child, Jarryd was diagnosed with Duchenne MD at age two, has embarked on an awareness campaign, Parent Project, which is under the auspices of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of South Africa. The project’s aim is to create an awareness of what you can do to enhance the lives of boys affected with Duchenne or Becker and to educate people about the different drugs that can intervene with the illness, such as steroids, heat meds and ventilation. Much printed material can be distributed to families and we can also provide basic necessities and equipment to enhance the lives of those affected. For more information please contact Maxine on 083 290 6695. Maxine and her boys Tagen (12), Calvin and Jarryd (who are twins, 18) from Hillcrest in Durban are pictured below.