Save Our Sons walk raises $1m for Duchenne cure

A marathon walk has helped the fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy take an important step forward.

A team of walkers has taken another step towards finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

In the 2018 Walk to Save Our Sons, sponsored walkers raised more than $1 million by pushing boys with Duchenne in wheelchairs more than 157km over seven days around Sydney.

The walkers, supported by national partner Chemist Warehouse, were joined by NRL stars, celebrity ambassadors and Save Our Sons founder Elie Eid, whose 13-year-old son, Emilio, was diagnosed with Duchenne on his second birthday.

Duchenne, a fatal muscle-wasting condition, affects one in 3500 boys and in rare cases girls, and there is no cure.

• Related Story: What is Duchenne muscular dystrophy?

Money raised by Save Our Sons Duchenne Foundation, which receives no government support, has funded 11 research, clinical trials and studies across the world.

The walkers stopped at NRL clubs Parramatta Eels, Sydney Roosters, Canterbury Bulldogs, West Tigers, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Manly Sea Eagles, St George Illawarra Dragons, Penrith Panthers and Cronulla Sharks along the way, so that the boys could meet their favourite players and receive signed jerseys.

Chemist Warehouse stores will continue raising money for Save Our Sons throughout March and April.

“I’m just so overwhelmed by the enormous support and generosity we’ve received,” says Elie. “We did this walk for the young boys who can no longer walk for themselves and every local community in Sydney has welcomed us with open arms.”

As well as research, the money raised will be used to help families affected by the condition, to buy medical equipment, and to employ a Duchenne specialist nurse in every Australian children’s hospital.

Chemist Warehouse director Damien Gance says the team is proud to support Save Our Sons Duchenne Foundation.

“It is a charity close to our business’s heart,” Damien says. “We are committed to fighting for a better future for Emilio and all those affected by Duchenne, and beyond excited that more than $1 million has been raised to date in 2018 to help find a cure for this condition.”

The 2018 Save Our Sons Charity Gala will be held at Crown Palladium, Melbourne, on Saturday, March 24. Get your tickets.

Walk to Save Our Sons 2018 raises $1 million for Duchenne cure