In dedication to Sammy Singh, a genuine and hopeful 8 year old boy who suffers from DMD, Sammy’s Charity of Hope was founded by high school students Tanveer Singh and Priscilla Tang. The charity was initiated in 2007 while both students were attending Milton District High School in their graduating year. Tanveer and Priscilla initiated Sammy’s Charity of Hope for Children with DMD with the primary hope to raise awareness and raise money to help celebrate the lives of children with DMD through granting wishes. This idea led to the most current public initiative being worked on: “I Am Aware”, an awareness program for elementary schools that not only talks about DMD, but the issues of intolerance in society today. It educates people to fight ignorance, and therefore, promotes tolerance.
Essentially, what truly defines Sammy’s Charity of Hope, is their mission of “Building Hope and Celebrating Life.”
What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy? DMD, or Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a rapidly progressive neuromuscular disorder that affects 1 in every 3500 boys. It is the #1 genetic killer of children and the most common form of muscular dystrophy. DMD is caused by a mutation in the gene that does not allow for the production of dystrophin – a structural protein that is crucial to the strength and rebuilding of muscles. Over time, there is extensive weakening and deterioration in the muscles, beginning with the lower limbs. Eventually, DMD affects the heart and breathing muscles. An average life span is 20 years long. Many vital signs & symptoms occurring around age five may help a doctor identify DMD. General weakness in the legs and frequent tripping/falling are common. Others include enlarged calf muscles, poor motor skills, and difficulty standing up. Eventually, all muscles are weakened. When the respiratory muscles are affected, a respirator is needed for breathing. Most children are wheelchair-bound by age 12. Currently, there is no cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
What is the cause of DMD?
Within our genetic composition, there is an important gene called “dystrophin.” Dystrophin is referred to as “glue” that maintains muscle structure. Boys with DMD lack the ability to produce dystrophin, therefore their muscles are not able to function properly. This, over time, is what causes progressive muscle damage. A mother can unknowingly carry the defective DMD gene on the X-chromosome. This may or may not be due to family history. The defective DMD gene is inherited by a pattern known as “X-linked recessive.”
DMD is generally diagnosed between 3-6 years of age.
There is no cure yet for DMD. But there are treatments available to slow down the disease and create a maximized quality of life for everyone affected by DMD, including: ▪ Steroids ▪ Leg braces ▪ Wheelchair ▪ Physical Therapy The awareness of DMD in the world is very low. Many people are unaware of this disease, its effects, and the possibility that mothers can be unknowingly a carrier of this disease. And still, we live with this simple fact everyday: “There is no cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.” It is reality. However, is it acceptable? The answer is no. And the question is:
What can you do?
Anyone can join the fight in beating DMD. That means you. Help fund Sammy’s Charity of Hope to make it possible for us to raise more awareness and grant wishes to boys suffering with DMD. Please donate by clicking the donate button below. This is who we are. This is what we do. But we need your help.
Making Financial Donations through Paypal Sammy's Charity of Hope is happy to accept Financial Donations. All Financial Donations assist our program(s) in covering overhead costs, purchasing food(for events) and assist in expanding. The "Donate Button" below has been set up for $5.00 donations only. We will be expanding this dollar value at a later time to include $10.00, $15.00 and $20.00 donations.
For more information on donating to Sammy's Charity of Hope and DMD, feel free to e-mail us at sammyscharityofhope@gmail.com or call us, Tanveer Singh 905-875-0172 or Priscilla Tang 905-462-2022
This web pages is dedicated to all the Staff and Volunteers at Camp Trillium Rainbow Lake
