Joshua was born on May 2, 2001. He was a very happy baby, and as far as we knew, a healthy young man. As Joshua grew, his gross motor skill development lagged behind that of children of a similar age. Sensing an abnormality, Kaaren took Joshua to a physical therapist. The PT seemed to immediately know there was an issue and recommended we have a blood test as soon as possible. On a Friday night in late January 2006, we received a midnight phone call from Joshua’s pediatrician that forever changed our lives. The doctor reported the results from Joshua’s blood test indicated significant “abnormalities” - the muscle enzymes present in his blood numbered greater than 26,000. Normal levels are in the low hundreds. Four months later, after numerous doctor visits, a muscle biopsy and genetic blood screen, Joshua was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
For Joshua, every day presents new physical challenges. Since his diagnosis, Joshua's muscles have rapidly deteriorated, and in November 2010, he lost the ability to walk. While this disease may take away his physical abilities, it doesn’t affect his mental faculties. In fact, Joshua has been a straight A student for the past four years. Joshua is doing all he can to bravely confront this disease and hasn’t allowed his physical condition to break his spirit.
One of the things he can do is to serve as an advocate to raise awareness about Muscular Dystrophy. Between 2010 and 2012, Joshua served as the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Goodwill Ambassador for Northern Virginia (2010), the Commonwealth of Virginia (2011), and the District of Columbia (2012). Now, Joshua has an even bigger platform and possibility to make a lasting impression on those who share his fight against this disease.
In March of 2011, Joshua's Hope Inc, a non-profit corporation, was created in honor of Joshua to help him, his family, and other families who are effected by this disease.
Living With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy