We are SO excited to once again host our annual Nathan's Ninja's family fun run! Thank you SO much for keeping us going strong with now 11 years of hosting this event! Because of your participation and generosity through the years, we've been able to create a very comfortable and accommodating home setting for Nathan and last year we purchased a trailer to help a fellow Duchenne family transport necessary equipment. Also, earlier this year, we put a down payment on a new van that works better for Nathan and just got back from taking it to Florida for his spring break. We are so grateful for your support and couldn't do any of these things without you.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is typically diagnosed between the ages of 2 and 6 and primarily affects boys. In fact, 99 percent of the almost 20,000 new cases each year are boys, meaning 1 boy out of every 3,500 will be diagnosed. Duchenne is a progressive muscle wasting disease so as other boys are getting stronger, Nathan and others like him are getting weaker.

Nathan is now in 11th grade and excited for his last year of high school this fall! He will be 17 which blows are minds! He is still involved in the school radio station - 88.1 the Park - and you can tune in some nights to hear him on the news file at 5:30 with area updates as well as sports coverage. He is training to be a DJ for the station as well! And Nathan's been accepted for Make a Wish - he's chosen a U of M football experience for this fall and we cannot wait to hear what they will have planned! Many of you know he had a rough start to the year breaking both of his ankles in a minor car accident, but he's recovered well and recently had a port surgery to help with his weekly infusions. Things are never dull over here!

For our 11th year, we will again gather at Heritage Park in Canton and also offer a virtual experience for those who'd like to take advantage. We are so excited for the opportunity to make a difference in the fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy! Can't wait to see you there!!!