September 7 – International Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Day. This is a rare genetic disease caused by a lack of the dystrophin protein. Due to this lack, muscle fibers weaken, are later replaced by fat deposits and gradually destroy.

Only boys are affected by this rare disease. According to statistics, one baby out of 10,000 babies is born with such a fatal pathology. Girls are spared this disease, adults rarely suffer from it. About 250,000 Duchenne patients worldwide live up to 30 years. Symptoms of the disease often appear before the age of 5 years. There are more than 500 such patients in Ukraine.

The ninth month and the seventh number for this day are not chosen by chance, because the dystrophin gene has 79 exons. The red ball is a symbol of this important day. They are released into the air by hundreds of people to support the sick. Families with patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy need the attention and help of people and the state, modern treatment. Most often, it is not easy for them, and their way of life is very limited and closed.