BRAYDEN'S DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY STORY

OUR DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY STORY

We are Tony, Leanne and Brayden Graft from Grunthal, Manitoba, Canada.

A little bit of background to our story.  Brayden is now 14 years old and as far as Duchenne goes he is doing fantastic!  Brayden is a foster child who came to our home at 5 days old and stole all our hearts (mostly his mom’s at first lol). 

He had some medical issues which included tremors in his limbs. As a result, he underwent several tests (EEG, CT and MRI) by the age of 18 months... and regular doctor appointments including a neurologist.

In December 2011 he was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.  We had already made the decision to adopt Brayden and his diagnosis didn’t change that, it only made us love him even more and want to help him through the journey he will face in his challenging life.

He has 2 brothers and 2 sisters through adoption along with 5 biological brothers, nieces and nephews and grandparents who adore him. 

Brayden has an incredible sense of humor and an amazing passion for life.  He wakes up every day with a smile on his face!  He is such an encouragement to everyone around him despite everything he deals with on a daily basis. Even strangers are drawn to him as they can see there is “something special” about him. 

We strive to make every day the best it can be for him!

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is caused by a genetic problem in producing dystrophin, a protein that protects muscle fibers from breaking down when exposed to enzymes.

There is no cure and there is progressive muscle weakness in the entire body.  The lower limbs become worse first, affecting walking and general mobility which is where we have been for awhile except this has now caused him to be dependent on a power chair to get through the day sometimes.  This enables him to conserve energy and have some independence. As a result, we are at the point of needing several renovations to our home to assist him and also a vehicle to transport him with his power chair.

Due to his increasing loss of mobility and needing more assistance in the home, Leanne and Tony made the decision it was time for her to leave her full time job to meet the increasing care Brayden needs. 

This has put a financial burden on their circumstance as well.  Purchasing a wheelchair accessible van is a very big expense because the criteria for a vehicle to be converted is quite strict.

We have miraculously been given a grant to cover the cost of the conversion but are personally required to supply the vehicle (which has to be no older than 4years old, making the van quite a high cost).  

This Go Fund Me is to help cover the cost of the vehicle and transport costs because the conversion will be done in Toronto.

We want to say in advance we appreciate any and all contributions you feel led to give. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts, God Bless You all.

The Graft Family

Fundraisers: Shane & Mandy Funk

Thankyou for reading Brayden's story & taking time to consider donating to this incredible family!

Brayden has touched SO many lives in such a short time & his positive attitude amidst so many unfair struggles is an inspiration; His joy & big grin makes our world a much better place!

Please consider donating & all the money raised goes directly to the Graft Family (please let us know if you have any questions).