Duchenne muscular dystrophy affects children and causes progressive muscle weakness.
Over time, boys lose the ability to walk, live independently, and even breathe.
Many don’t live past their twenties.
There has been progress. But today’s treatments still fall short of a cure. A cure can’t wait.
Just two decades ago, there were no approved therapies for Duchenne.
Today, there are several.
But many individuals are still not eligible or see limited benefit.
CureDuchenne works to accelerate what comes next—funding promising science early and helping move it into clinical trials. A cure can’t wait.
With your help, we will fund the next breakthroughs—faster.
When Nicole’s son Turbo turned 18, she shared what many parents of kids with Duchenne understand but rarely say out loud: birthdays are both joyful and heartbreaking.
Each year is a milestone worth celebrating, but also a reminder of how urgently families need better treatment options. At 18, Turbo is still waiting for a therapy that can meaningfully change the course of his disease. Nicole’s story reflects the reality faced by countless families who celebrate every birthday while hoping for more time, and a cure.
For Hawken, birthdays have always been a reason to celebrate. But as the years passed and the number on the cake grew larger, they also became a reminder of the challenges that come with living with Duchenne.
Now 29, Hawken has already exceeded the life expectancy the doctor shared with his mother when he was just five years old. He continues to look toward the future with hope: hope for continued progress, hope for new treatments, and hope that a cure will one day change what the next birthday means for families like his.
For ReAijah, every birthday is a reminder of both how far her sons have come and how much work remains. She carries the hope that comes with progress for Keelan, age 6 and Kye, age xx — and the uncertainty that still comes with Duchenne.
Both boys have received gene therapy and are benefiting from advances in treatment that were not available just a few years ago. But these therapies are not a cure. ReAijah’s story reflects the hope many families feel as progress continues and the urgency of finding treatments that can do even more for every child with Duchenne.
Families affected by Duchenne carry both hope and uncertainty with them every day. Send a message of hope that will be shared with boys and families in the Duchenne community.
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We have more scientific momentum than ever before. But without early funding, promising therapies can stall. CureDuchenne exists to move them forward, faster. This is a critical moment to accelerate what comes next.
Your gift today ensures boys and young men living with Duchenne can look forward to more birthdays.
Adrien Quintero, a remarkable young man living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, participated in this campaign because he believed in the importance of raising awareness for Duchenne and sharing the realities faced by those living with the disease.
He was a passionate advocate who dedicated his time, energy, and voice to helping others better understand Duchenne. When asked to be part of this campaign, he was excited for the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way and help bring greater visibility to the community he cared deeply about.
Shortly after filming, Adrien tragically passed away on May 26, 2026.
We are honored to have shared this experience with him and grateful for the generosity, courage, and commitment he brought to everything he did. We dedicate this campaign to Adrien, his family, and to their enduring belief that greater awareness can help create a better future for everyone affected by Duchenne.
Adrien Joshua Quintero
May 24, 2003 – May 26, 2026
