Jack is a vibrant and adorable 11 year old who enjoys playing with his big brother, Robert, and other family and friends. He lives with his mom and dad and brother in Westminster, a suburb of Denver.  Jack is a bright, smiling red haired boy who charms every one he meets.

In Spring 2003, Jack was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy after seeing his pediatrician for a routine visit. Simple blood tests revealed an elevated CPK level which led to more testing and visits to several specialists. Months of testing and doctor visits revealed the worst: a devastating disease that would cut Jack's life short and for which no cure yet exists.

Jack about the time he was diagnosed with DMD

The diagnosis process was very difficult for Jack's family. In a simple office visit, their life and their future changed in horrific and unimaginable ways. Jack's mom, Angela, held her breath as the visits and tests were done, telling herself it wasn't possible but fearing it deep in her heart. His father, Darrell, attended every doctor visit and test, hoping his employer would understand the absences. Friends and family read and researched, and stepped in to hold hands and provide diversion and relief. All the while, the adorable 2 year old smiled and charmed his way through the visits, tests, and biopsy. "Angela was so brave and so focused," said Deidre Paknad, Angela's sister and Jack's aunt. "Angela and Darrell were remarkable. They focused immediately on just 2 things: enjoying life with their sons every day and finding a cure. We all aspire to such courage and control in the face of such profound crisis."

Since the diagnosis was confirmed, Jack's parents have gotten educated and are getting armed for the battle to save Jack's life. They have rallied local support from friends, colleagues and companies and will settle for nothing less than a cure. The funds they raise go to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, an organization dedicated to funding research to find a cure.   They have organized the Denver-based Jumping Jack Charity Gold Tournament to raise money for Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, participated in several fund-raising marathons, worked in their local community with generous businesses to host various fundraisers, attended Congressional testimony, and participate actively in national conferences to drive awareness, fund research and find a cure. 

While many people are familiar with traditional campaigns to raise awareness for muscular dystrophy, these organizations are focused on ways to help improve the comfort of patients. For Angela and Darrell, this just isn't enough. With mortality typical at around 20 years of age, they have set their sight on saving Jack, not just making him comfortable. In a world where flight to Mars and cloning are possible, we can and we must CURE this disease -- for Jack and for the 1 in 3,500 children who will be diagnosed this year alone.