Joaquins Warriors

************* UPDATE**************
I will be leaving in July to bike to Mexico and back with my friend Kevin..  We will be stopping places along the route asking for peoples assistance in the battle against DMD..  I decided to change the route from CA to NY to Mexico and back for a number of reasons. Finances being a main one and safety being another. Now i'll be biking with at least one other person. I still would love to do a cross country bike ride so if anyone is interested just email me and let me know!! @ [email redacted]


A few months ago Joaquin Aluffi was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This was brought to my knowledge by his father Chris at jiujitsu class. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a type of disease where you lack the dystrophin protein. This is a progressive disease that destroys a persons ability to repair and build muscle. That means people with this disease will eventually lose control of their ability to walk or do anything that involves the muscles, such as breathing. Most people who have DMD run into heart problems because the heart loses its ability to pump due to a lack of muscle. I don't want to make pronouncements or paint Joaquin into a corner but this is reality, and we are facing it head on. The reality is that the life expectancy for people with this disease is 26 at this time. I cant tell you how I felt at first, but over the course of the next few days I felt a calling to do something for Joaquin and his family.  
     
       There is many different definitions of warrior, I think the best one to describe Joaquin is... "someone who is engaged in some struggle or conflict."

   Joaquin is a warrior in every aspect of that definition. He is at war with his disease on a daily basis. This disease that makes it hard for him to stand, let alone run and do bear crawls. As his coach we pushed him and pushed him and he never once quit. On the contrary Joaquin has always and will always continue to give his all.  Joaquin is a true inspiration and an example to us all to not complain about our circumstances. 
     
    As his coach and someone who has pushed him and gotten back 100% effort I felt compelled to do the same for him and his family. In July I will be leaving on a bike trip from Santa Cruz to Mexico and back to raise money for Joaquin and his family. Sadly there is no cure for DMD and his family will more than likely will be financially burdened by this disease. My goal is to raise money to alleviate the pressure of that monetary burden. 100% of the money we receive through the gofundme will go towards Joaquin and his medical needs. 

    If you can help in any way whether it be spreading the word or just keeping Joaquin and his family in your thoughts and prayers, it would be much appreciated.  We are at war with this disease and YOU guys are all his warriors.  Thank you for your time and thank you for your support!