“Every child brings light into a home, and for me and my husband, that light is our son, Zayyan. From the day he was born, his laughter filled our lives with joy. But today, that joy is mixed with fear and heartbreak.
It all started when Zayyan began walking later than other kids. At first, I thought he was just a little slow. But as time passed, we noticed he struggled to climb stairs, got tired quickly, and kept falling. I knew something wasn’t right.
On May 14, 2025, our world changed forever - Zayyan was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
What Is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most severe forms of inherited muscular dystrophy, characterised by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. This condition starts with muscle weakness in the legs and pelvis, leading to difficulties with movement and walking, and often results in loss of mobility by age 12. As the illness progresses, it impacts all voluntary muscles, including those responsible for breathing and maintaining spinal alignment.
The prognosis is grim, with affected individuals typically having a life expectancy into their late teens to early twenties. Complications include respiratory failure and cardiac issues, with treatments like mechanical ventilation and tracheotomy also posing significant risks.
As of recent updates, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) affects approximately 1 in 5,000 boys worldwide. The prevalence rate indicates that around 20,000 boys are diagnosed with DMD each year globally. The illness primarily affects males and typically becomes evident between the ages of 3 and 5.
How Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is Affecting 6-Year-Old Zayyan:
- Progressive Muscle Weakness: Zayyan is experiencing ongoing muscle weakness, especially in his legs and pelvic area. This makes it harder for him to walk, climb stairs, and keep up with physical activities.
- Decreased Mobility: As time goes on, Zayyan is gradually losing the ability to walk independently. He may soon need to use a wheelchair to help him get around more easily.
- Heart Involvement: There is a possibility that Zayyan could develop heart issues, such as cardiomyopathy, which can weaken his heart muscle and affect how well his heart works.
- Breathing Difficulties: The muscles that help Zayyan breathe are also becoming weaker, which can make breathing more difficult and increase his risk of respiratory infections.
- Delayed Developmental Milestones: Because of his muscle weakness, Zayyan may reach important milestones like standing and walking later than other children his age.
How Can Zayyan Overcome DMD?
Although Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) presents significant challenges, Elevidys gene therapy is emerging as a beacon of hope, offering the possibility of a brighter and healthier future for Zayyan.
Imagine a future where Zayyan has overcome the obstacles of DMD, regained his strength and mobility, and is thriving, perhaps as a scientist at NASA or making groundbreaking discoveries in neuromuscular research. Elevidys gene therapy brings this vision closer to reality. By introducing a modified virus carrying a healthy dystrophin gene, this innovative treatment targets the root cause of DMD and helps restore vital muscle function.
Zayyan is only 6. He still dreams like any other boy - he talks about stars, rockets, and space. He wants to become an astronaut. But right now, even walking from one room to another feels like a mountain to climb.
My husband and I take him for regular visits to the Medcare Women and Children Hospital in Dubai. He sees heart doctors, goes through tough physiotherapy sessions. Despite everything, he smiles - but I see the tiredness in his eyes.
“I don’t want to stop walking, Mama,” he told me one night. Those words broke me.
We’ve used our savings, sold gold, and leaned on our family and friends. But now, we need your help.
Please, if you can, help us give Zayyan a fighting chance. Your kindness can change his story - from pain to hope, from weakness to strength.” - Jasmine (Zayyan’s Mom)
How to help:
Donate: Click on the ‘Donate Now’ button and help Zayyan face DMD.
Share: Share Zayyan’s story with your friends and family and support further.
எப்படி உதவுவது:
நன்கொடை: 'இப்போது நன்கொடை' பொத்தானைக் கிளிக் செய்து, ஜயானுக்கு டிஎம்டியை எதிர்கொள்ள உதவுங்கள்.
பகிரவும்: ஜயானின் கதையை உங்கள் நண்பர்கள் மற்றும் குடும்பத்தினருடன் பகிர்ந்து கொள்ளுங்கள், மேலும் ஆதரவளிக்கவும்.
The goal amount of the campaign may be higher than the attached estimates to address and aid the post-hospitalization expenses/contingencies including but not limited to prolonged medication, diagnostics, rehabilitation therapies, and follow-up doctor visits/consultations which vary from disease to disease.