Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy & Charley
By Benjamin Seckler& Tracy Kramer Seckler
Tracy and Benjamin Seckler, MD are the parents of three children, one of whom, Charley, has Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). While there are no known cures for this ultimately fatal disease, Tracy and Benjamin have taken herioic measures to provide every possible opportunity to find and fund the latest research and possible cures, not only for their child but for all children with this disease. Education Update will publish their courageous journey via their blogs. ED.
This fiscal quarter we face several major payouts to universities and biotech companies conducting DMD research. We have recently "put the pedal to the metal" to raise the funds we need to fulfill our commitments and keep the research on the fast track. April and May were very strong fundraising months, thanks in large part to a generous West Coast supporter who presented a $100,000 matching grant. Happily, we matched that donation not once, but two times over. Everyone from corporate executives to middle school students chipped in, and the varied efforts added up quickly. While a significant amount of money was raised through two $100,000 grants and a fancy party at Cipriani Wall Street, donations really added up through many smaller efforts, too. From a high school dance and college ball to a friend donning a chef's hat and a cousin’s bar mitzvah, every penny makes a difference. We are so grateful to everyone who chips in, large or small, and helps our research ship stay afloat and on course toward eradicating DMD.
The hectic pace in the Charley's Fund office is mirrored by activity in the Seckler household. This month we brought home a brand new yellow lab puppy named Stella. Charley and Maisy can't get enough of her, while Sammy is tentatively overcoming his fear of dogs. All three kids are at day camp this summer. We are once again greatly indebted to our incredible local community for accommodating Charley and treating him like one of the gang while keeping a close eye on his activity level so he doesn't overexert himself.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read our monthly update and caring about our quest to save lives and make DMD history. #
