According to a story from wlwt.com, thirteen-year-old Diego Ramirez has been crossing the finish line at the Flying Pig Marathon for seven years, and he recently completed the finish again this past Sunday. Diego’s finish line crossing represents a symbol of his determination in his struggle with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Unfortunately, the illness has robbed him of the ability to run the entire race himself. His father Alex, along with a team of supporters, push Diego through the race route in a stroller, but he always gets up a walks over the finish line himself.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common type of muscular dystrophy and is also one of the most severe. The disease is characterized by long term, progressive muscular degeneration. The muscle loss first begins in the pelvic area and upper legs, followed by the upper arms. By the twelfth year, most patients are unable to walk. Symptoms worsen over time and can include abnormal walking posture, falling, loss of motor skills, scoliosis, deformities of the muscle fibers, and trouble breathing. To learn more about Duchenne muscular dystrophy, click here.
Despite being 13 years old, Diego still retains some degree of his walking ability. He was fortunately able to get into a clinical trial in order to test a new therapy, and it appears to be having a beneficial effect for him. Most people with DMD at his age are already using a wheelchair.
The Flying Pig Marathon has been a major source of inspiration for Diego, his father Alex, and the spectators that cheer his name throughout the entirety of the race. Over the years, the group has become recognizable for many, and their participation has become part of the race tradition. Diego’s mother, Leslie Guzman, says that it was not long after their first race that Diego first got into a clinical trial near the area.
Although he still participates in physical therapy that he needs every day to maintain his muscle strength, crossing the finish reminds Diego that anything is possible. Through it all, he maintains a positive, healthy attitude and makes sure to be thankful for every day.
