Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disease that is reported to occur in 1 out of 3,500 live male births. It is due to a mutation in the dystrophin gene located on the human X chromosome which in turns affects the ability to produce functional dystrophin an important component within the muscle tissue.

Symptoms usually appear in boys as early as 2 and 3. Although diagnosis has improved the average for confirmed diagnosis is still between 5 to 8 years of age.

Due to the degenerative nature of DMD, over time muscle tissue experiences wasting and is eventually replaced by fat and fibrotic tissue. Disability accumulates and leads to paralysis by the age of 10.  The average life expectancy for individuals afflicted with DMD is around 25.

 LAND (Lebanese Association for Neuromuscular Diseases) for Hope, is a non-profit organization, created by parents of children with DMD to support patients and their families. LAND’s aim is to raise awareness about the disease and help families cope with the devastating consequences for patients across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

LAND for Hope has recently marked World Duchenne Day on September 7th. LAND is also a member of EURORDIS, the European Organisation for Rare Diseases, and Treat-NMD Network.

It also collaborates with the United Parent Projects Muscular Dystrophy, the worldwide group of Duchenne Patient and Parent Organisations UPPMD.

 To get in contact and join LAND for Hope, kindly visit their website http://www.landforhope.org or get in touch through their Facebook page at Land for Hope