‘We are blessed by support and generosity’
When Sandy and Steve Peterson’s son Mitchell was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) in 1999, they wondered where they could turn for support. They reached out to another family who also had a son diagnosed with DMD and through them made a connection with Parent Project MD (PPMD).
“Sandy and I were introduced to PPMD in the very earliest stage of Mitchell’s diagnosis. During those early stages we were very confused and had little information on what we should do, what specialists we needed to see, and knowing the best care we could provide for Mitchell,” recalled Mitchell’s dad Steve. “Parent Project MD offered to us a complete education and a road map to follow in caring for our son. They are an amazing recourse for parents and families of boys with Duchenne MD.”
“Our ultimate objective of Mitchell’s Run Thru Rockford [MRTR] is to find a cure for Duchenne MD,” added Steve. “MRTR is working to raise funding and raise awareness of DMD. When celebrities like the Green Bay Packers’ Clay Mathews, Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte, and the NCAA Coaches for a Cure become involved, it’s amazing how the level of awareness increases. Awareness increases 10 fold. At a local level, MRTR has created a high of awareness of DMD in West Michigan. I believe awareness creates personal and community interest, community interest creates funding, funding will ultimately lead to a cure.”
Those within the Rockford community are becoming more familiar with PPMD from the efforts of the Peterson family and their 5K race named Mitchell’s Run Thru Rockford 5K Run/Walk and Kids for Kids K. All proceeds from this race are donated to PPMD in Mitchell’s name. This year’s event is set for Saturday, August 18, at 8:30a.m.
“This will be our 14th year,” said Sandy. “The truth is, our family and all the families affected by DMD are blessed with the amazing generosity of all of the people who have participated, volunteered and supported Mitchell’s Run Thru Rockford over the years.”
To register or volunteer for the event, visit their website at mitchellsrun.org.
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