CrossFit First Down: WOD for a Cause - Find Your David!
In August 2022, our lives were turned upside down when our handsome, silly, and sweet son, David, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Duchenne is a rare genetic mutation affecting approximately 1 in 3,500 boys. While this diagnosis is incredibly devastating, we remain optimistic about the future for those living with DMD.
Though we are just two years into our journey, we’ve already learned a lot about this debilitating disease. Sadly, Duchenne not only causes immense physical and emotional strain, but it also places a heavy financial burden on many families.
We firmly believe that every child, regardless of financial status, disability, or personal situation, deserves to live without unnecessary struggles. It’s equally important that every parent can witness their child’s happiness and growth without being hindered by financial stress. This belief has only deepened over the last 26 months as we’ve navigated our new reality. Unfortunately, many families affected by Duchenne will not have that opportunity this year due to the overwhelming costs of medical bills, prescription drugs, specialized equipment, home adaptations, travel for medical appointments and clinical trials, and the countless other expenses that come with this disease. Our goal is to continue assisting these families during the holiday season.
Through our past two holiday campaigns, Find Your David has raised over $230,000. These funds have allowed us to provide gift cards to nearly 180 families, help make homes more accessible, assist families with travel costs for clinical trials, support JB’s Keys to DMD with their Bruins and adaptive ski programs, send newly diagnosed families to the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) annual conference, and fund a $30,000 grant for Duchenne cardiac research. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support from friends, family, and even strangers who saw us on the news.
For the 2024 holiday campaign, we aim to continue these efforts while introducing a new initiative.
As we’ve connected with more families impacted by DMD, we’ve noticed an increasing need to support young men transitioning into adulthood and the workforce.
Thanks to advancements in medical and technological care, more individuals with DMD are now enrolling in college, seeking full-time employment, and even launching their own businesses. This progress fills us with hope, but it also brings new challenges and uncertainties. To address this, we are working to launch a program that will help young men and their families navigate this exciting, yet nerve-wracking, transition.
Your donations will directly fund the following initiatives:
Financial assistance for families living with Duchenne to purchase holiday gifts
ADA-accessible seating for families at a Bruins game
A weekend getaway for Duchenne families at Loon Mountain, including two days of adaptive skiing and lift tickets for family members
Development of a program to help those living with DMD transition into the workforce or pursue entrepreneurial endeavors
We ask for your continued support as we work to bring hope and relief to families impacted by Duchenne this holiday season.
Together, we can make a meaningful difference.
If you are able, a donation of any size will make a real difference.
Your donations will go towards funding the following initiatives:
Financial assistance for families living with Duchenne to purchase gifts.
Allow families with DMD to attend a Bruins game in ADA accessible seats
A weekend stay for families living with Duchenne at Loon Mountain, including two days of adaptive skiing and lift tickets for family members
Fundraising towards cardiac research in DMD
“Sometimes God will put a Goliath in your life, for you to find the David in you.”
With love and hope,
- The Barrick Family
For more information about DMD, click here.
