DMD means Duchenne muscular dystrophy
DMD or Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne's disease) is (congenital) hereditary disease predominantly found in males (this is because the base of the disorder is on the X chromosome). In this disease, the muscles do not function as it should (decreased muscular strength) due to the absence of the protein dystrophin in the muscle cells. Often the calf muscles are very pronounced but with a weak muscle, because of this weakness it is often difficult for children to get upright from a reclining or sitting posture. The disease is progressive and affects more and more muscle tissue. Most patients end up in a wheelchair at the age of 13, and at the age of 25 a respiratory machine is usually required. The disease is incurable and makes sure that most men are only between 35 and 40 years old.
Duchenne Heroes is an initiative that organises a mountainbike every year to collect money that goes to the Duchenne Parent project. Give yourself a 700 km drive in 4 countries in 7 days, and help research on this disease. More information about this disease can be found on the website of Duchenne.
Living with Duchenne [YouTube] BoLYm35FKtQ [/youtube]