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Sunday, September 24, 2006

Defying the Odds


I attended the 30th birthday celebration of a good friend with Duchenne's today. As recently as 10 years ago, few people with the disease reached 30. While there remains no treatment, advances in medical technology such as spinal fusion surgery, portable ventilators, effective cardiac medications and tiny pacemakers have made it possible for people with Duchenne's to have longer, healthier, and more productive lives.

At 28, I feel fortunate to be here. No two people are affected the same by Duchenne's, to be sure. Yet in celebrating with my friend, I couldn't help but feel more hopeful for my own prospects.

Now, if only I felt as good about the prospects of my beloved Phillies!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Josh - you know the Phillies always blow it when it counts, in typical Philly sports team style. Bring on hockey season!

Anonymous said...

josh. i have playoff tickets, can you believe it? you know i'm an optimist when it comes to our phillies, but i really think they're going to pull it off this time. of course, last night's loss didn't help...