Tim Revell has run the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon a whopping 15 times, with his 16th run planned for this Sunday. The father of two runs the race for his sons, Timothy and Andrew, who were both born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The Revell family uses the race as a chance to fundraise for CureDuchenne, and they have donated over $4 million to date.
About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is one of the nine forms of muscular dystrophy that is characterized by progressive muscle wasting and atrophy. Affected individuals experience progressive muscle weakness and wasting due to a lack of dystrophin. Symptoms include:
- Issues with motor skills
- Muscle weakness
- Falling
- Fatigue
- Issues with changing positions
- Problems walking,
- Learning disabilities
Eventually, DMD patients will experience heart disease and respiratory failure. All of these effects are caused by a mutation passed down on the X chromosome in a recessive pattern. This is why males are more likely to be affected than females. There is currently no cure for this condition, but treatments can help to manage symptoms.
Running for His Sons
Timothy, the older of the Revell sons, was diagnosed with DMD at just two years old. At the time, doctors told the family that nothing could be done and to enjoy the time they had with their son. The Revells refused to accept that answer. Soon after, Tim ran his first marathon to fundraise for DMD research.
In that first year, the family was able to raise $15,000, all of which went to the nonprofit CureDuchenne. Now Timothy is 17 years old, and he and his family donate a minimum of $500,000 every single year for research into his condition. In total, the family has raised over $4 million.
Looking Forward
While COVID-19 has changed the marathon this year, Tim is still excited to get running and raise money for CureDuchenne. Enrollment in the race has been cut in half, as has the length of the run itself; it has been shortened to a half marathon. Celebrations and gatherings at the end of the race have been banned as well.
Even when the status of the marathon was in the air earlier in the year due to the pandemic, Tim was adamant that he would run the race one way or another. He didn’t care if it was going to be held virtually or not at all, he would be running to support his sons. In the end, his hope is that all of their efforts result in a curative therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
To help the Revell’s cause, donate to their GoFundMe here.
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