Picnic in the Park

German Central

July 30 2009

5 pm to 10 pm

7863 York Road

Parma Ohio 44130

For our annual John Owen's Adventure Picnic in the Park to cure Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy - DMD

Check it out at www.joainc.org 

Affordable family centered event with entertainment for all ages

• Free Admission & Entertainment
• Lawless… Northeast Ohio’s premier Country Band
• Kids Games
• Corn Hole Tourney sponsored by Mayor Stefanik
• Amazing food by Famous Dave’s
• Over 80 Basket Raffles 
•  Big ticket items auction

  Call for details 440-230-1555

What is Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy – DMD?

DMD is a fatal disease which affects 500,000 +  young boys throughout the world.

DMD progressively wastes muscle and causes muscle weakness.  It begins with microscopic changes in the muscle. As muscles degenerate over time, the boy's muscle strength diminishes.  With DMD, ultimately the heart muscle will stop working.

Typically diagnosed between four to seven years, the seemingly ‘normal’ boy will show signs of weakness getting up from the floor and walking up stairs.  Slowly his muscles will limit his ability to walk; once wheelchair bound, his lung muscles will weaken, his spine may be affected and slowly his muscles will atrophy.  Don’t let the word slow fool you, before most of us got our first ‘real’ job, these boys heart muscle will join the rest of his muscles and slow to a halt.

The inability to make dystrophin is the cause of DMD.  The gene which resides in the X chromosome never sends the message to the brain.  Therefore, the boy’s muscles never get the vital life message to thrive. DMD is usually only found in boys since boys have one X.

A genetic breakthrough is right around the corner – that takes your involvement!  The more awareness we raise the more likely we can find that cure to save John Owen and the 1 in 3,500 boys with DMD.

This is a free event at a beautiful place – bring your friends, family and neighbors for a great summer night to cure DMD!

Rain or shine!  Celebrate with John Owen Dumm (5yrs) pictured above!  Diagnosed in 2008 JOA has raised $35,000 for research and we keep going!! Get on board!