Payton Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio Age: 13 Diagnosis: Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD), a group of muscular dystrophies that become apparent at or near birth. CMD results in overall muscle weakness with possible joint stiffness or looseness. Favorite School Subject/Activities: Reading, writing, and art. Favorite People and/or Pets: I live with my older brother Jacob and my mom, Angela. I also . . .
Ryan Hometown: Naperville, IL Age: 13 Diagnosis: I have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which is caused by an absence of dystrophin, a protein that helps keep muscle cells intact. Favorite School Subject/Activities: My favorite school subjects are PE and Math. Favorite People and/or Pets: Aside from my mom, dad, and sisters, I love the Chicago Blackhawks. Interests: I enjoy going to watch . . .
Jeramiha Hometown: Weston, West Virginia Age: 14 Diagnosis: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. It is one of nine types of muscular dystrophy. Favorite School Subject/Activities: I love anything to do with sports! Favorite People and/or Pets: I live with my mom Ashley, stepdad Daniel, and siblings Dakota, Jayleigh, and Malik. . . .
Grace Hometown: Middletown, Delaware Age: 15 Diagnosis: I was diagnosed with myotonia congenita in 2006 at the MDA Clinic at A.I.duPont Hospital. Myotonia congenita is an inherited myopathy, a disease that causes problems with the tone and contraction of skeletal muscles. Favorite School Subject/Activities: Digital arts, music, and literature. Favorite People and/or Pets: I live with my parents, . . .
Matthew Christopher Allen, Age 8 Lee’s Summit, MO Home and Family Matthew lives with his parents, Nick and Vanessa, older brother and younger sister. He has two dogs, Cinnamon and Kaycee, and a cat, Kaydee, who is his favorite. Diagnosis Matthew was diagnosed at the age of 5 with Mitochondrial Myopathy and Primary Neuromuscular Disease . . .
Alice McConnell, Age 11 Anchorage, AK Home and Family Alice lives with her parents and two brothers: John (who has Duchenne) and Daniel. Diagnosis Alice was diagnosed with Female Manifesting Carrier Syndrome Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at age 6. School Alice is in 7th grade and enjoys Math and Science. Interests Alice’s interests include piano, choir, . . .
Alexis “Lexi” Noland, Age 15 Glendale, AZ Home and Family Lexi is the daughter of Casey and Keia Noland. She has three sisters and one brother. Diagnosis Lexi has Charcot Marie Tooth which is a group of hereditary disorders that damage the nerves in your arms and legs (peripheral nerves). School Lexi is a freshman . . .
Hannah Grace Thomas, Age 12 Fayetteville, AR Home and Family Hannah has a loving family including her Dad Mark, mom Mary, and sister Chelsea. She also has many aunts, uncles, cousins and her beloved dog Michi. Diagnosis Hannah has Charcot Marie Tooth, which causes damage to the peripheral nerves and relay sensations, like pain and . . .
Alexander (Zander) Vargas, Age 9 Sacramento, CA Home and Family Zander is the son of Jennifer and Antonio Vargas. Has one brother, Antonio. Diagnosis At age 6, Zander was diagnosed with Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD), which at this time is grossly affecting his digestive system and bones, causing early onset osteoporosis. School Zander is currently . . .
Zoe Grisez, Age 13 Colorado Springs, CO Home and Family Zoe is the daughter of Mark and Lorraine Grisez. Diagnosis Zoe was diagnosed with SMA Type II in December of 2002. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease affecting the part of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movement. The age at which . . .
