According to a story from westernmassnews.com, the community of Monson, Massachusetts is coming together to support Jason Harris and his family. Jason is ten years old and lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare genetic disorder. Jason is able to get around well with the use of a power chair, but it isn’t easy to transport and in many situations he is relegated to a regular wheelchair that has to be pushed around. Jason’s parents, Kim and Scott, have wanted to get a power chair accessible van. He loves playing the drums and band is his favorite class in school.
About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disease, and it is one of the more severe types of muscular dystrophy. It is characterized by progressive muscle weakness that usually begins around age four and worsens quickly. As an X-linked genetic disease, boys are mostly affected, with girls only occasionally displaying mild symptoms. The disease is caused by mutations of the dystrophin gene. Symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy include falling, abnormal walking posture, eventual loss of walking ability, muscle fiber deformities, intellectual disability (not in all cases), enlargement of the tongue and calf muscles, skeletal deformities, muscle atrophy, heart abnormalities, and difficulty with breathing. Treatment includes a variety of medications and therapies that can help alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression. Lifespan is usually into the thirties with good care. Better treatments for this disease are urgently needed. To learn more about Duchenne muscular dystrophy, click here.
Monson Generosity
Unfortunately, the family can’t afford to get a van all on their own. That was when Lisa Ronaldson, who has worked with Jason for many years as a physical therapist, decided to step in and start a GoFundMe page so that the Harris family can get the van. Ronaldson has also reached out to local businesses in order to host fundraising events.
Since then, the Harris family has been shocked to receive support from unexpected places. One such example is local realtor Jeffrey Lord, who has pledged to donate his commission from upcoming sales to the cause. Previously, the Harris family had had no links with him.
If you would like to help Jason and his family, click here.
