Dylan's Story

          Dylan was born a healthy 7lb 5oz baby boy.  The dream of having a healthy baby had come true for his parents, but just 5 short years later that dream was shattered.  Dylan went in for his routine 5 year old check up when the doctor became worried that something was wrong.  The Pediatrician was worried that Dylan had enlarged calves.   Luckily the Pediatrician noticed this and referred him for further testing.  They proceeded to take Dylan to Children’s Hospital to have some testing done.  Right away the doctor at Children’s hospital explained all the signs and symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy.  Some of the signs that they explained he was already exhibiting and  Dylan’s mom knew in her heart he had it.  Dylan had to pull himself up stairs, wasn’t able to run like his friends, and had a difficult time getting up from sitting on the floor.  They did some tests and a DNA test right away.  After waiting and worrying for a long 3 to 4 weeks their worst fear became a reality.  Dylan was diagnosed with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy at the young age of 5.  Around age 7, walking became more difficult for Dylan.  He was walking on his tip toes and started sticking out his chest when walking to attempt to keep his balance.  Dylan’s mom Jenny said that she will never forget the day she saw him walk out of his room on his toes, she had seen this exact thing in a video and it broke her heart to see the disease progressing so rapidly.   He also began falling down a lot which led to Dylan requiring a walker.   By age 8, Dylan needed his first  wheelchair.  About age 10 he lost the muscle strength in his arms, to the point that he no longer could bring a cup to his mouth to take a drink and now has to drink out a straw.  Just this past summer at the age of 12 Dylan had to have major back surgery to straighten out his spine to decrease pressure on his internal organs.  Life has changed dramatically for Dylan since the surgery.  At this point in time Dylan can only move his head and hands on his own.  Many challenges have come their way and Dylan and his family have taken every challenge head on.  Their family motto “We’ll Figure it out.”  Dylan is an easy going, positive spirit, with a great big heart!  Please read the following post about what you can help Dylan get the most out of life!

Keep Scrolling Down through the pictures to find out How You Can Help Dylan!