A few weeks ago we all trekked down/ over to Bellaire for the presentation of a helper dog to our good friend Joel Poysky. Joel and his family (James, Rachel and sister Hallie) are close friends of our from our time in Houston.
Joel has Duchenne, a type of muscular dystrophy that affects 1 in 3500 boys. It is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood. These are hard words to write but I am encouraged to do so because most of you reading this have probably never heard of this disease and that is a problem.
Joel and other boys with Duchenne suffer from a lack of dystrophin being made in their bodies. This creates muscle weakness over time and many other health problems. There is an urgency for awareness, research and money to fund aggressive research so that a cure can be found. Life expectancy for these boys is around the late twenties, my hope is to have many more years than that with Joel.
He personally is doing great and although he tires easily physically and at times emotionally, he is perservering in ways that is a tribute to God's healing power. Joel is mentally strong and really understands his disability as well as who he is in Christ. He and his family are amazing.
James dedicates most of his time to researching, writing and helping the medical field better understand this disability. Rachel works endlessly fund raising as well continuously ministering to other families affected by Duchenne.
He personally is doing great and although he tires easily physically and at times emotionally, he is perservering in ways that is a tribute to God's healing power. Joel is mentally strong and really understands his disability as well as who he is in Christ. He and his family are amazing.
James dedicates most of his time to researching, writing and helping the medical field better understand this disability. Rachel works endlessly fund raising as well continuously ministering to other families affected by Duchenne.
I have to clear up that this is different than Jerry's kids and fundraisers that you see many fireman doing. Its the step-child that unfortunately does not get much attention. Some boys who have Duchenne also have learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalcula, ADD) but no forms of mental retardation. Joel is the brightest most personable child I have ever met.
We are so thankful for the Poysky family and the blessing that they have been to us. We were so excited to hear that after a little under 2 years on the waiting list Joel was awarded a helper dog (Duchenne boys get to be at the top of the list b/c of their muscles degenerating and the need for assistance happens in childhood)!!
The blessing came because a Kroger in the area decided to donate one to a family and Joel was the closest in location on the list! This is a massive donation, the dogs are expensive ($25,000). This is huge because Joel's favorite thing in the world are dogs. He will go this summer for two weeks to be matched with a dog and then they will go through training, where the dog learns over 95 commands!!
To learn more you can go here....
http://www.parentprojectmd.org
The Check presentation!!
Joel and the spokesdog
Joel and his adoring fans. Rachel and the paparazzi.
This is a video from when they visited the station.
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