Doing It For Doug
Donation protected
My name is Bonnie, and I have a story to tell you about my nephew Doug. My brother, Bryan and his wife, Shannon, welcomed Douglas Glendale Dockter into the world on February 5th, 2008.
In June of 2013, at the age of 5, Doug was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Since then, there have been several doctor appointments and adjustments in medications to find the right combination. Twice a year, he has lengthy, in-depth appointments with numerous doctors and specialists at the University of Michigan C.S. Motts in Ann Arbor, Mi. They include Neurology, Pulmonary, Cardiology, and a Physical Therapy team. He goes through testing, including an Echo, an EKG, and Pulmonary Function Testing.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a rare progressive disease that eventually affects all voluntary muscles and involves the heart and breathing muscles in later stages. Beginning around age 4, boys develop muscle weakness, and it worsens quickly. It starts with the muscles in the thighs and pelvis, followed by the arms. Most children with Duchenne are unable to walk by age 12.
In late January/early February of 2016, Doug was granted a Make A Wish vacation. Together with his family, Doug went to Florida to the Give Kids The World Village. This village is specifically for children with critical illnesses and their families. Lots of smiles, laughs and amazing memories were made. Doug was given a special Star Of Hope that was hung up. It has his name and will stay up at the village as a sign of HOPE for all the kids with life-threatening illnesses and diagnoses.
As the years have gone on, Doug's muscles have slowly started tightening up, making it more difficult for him to be mobile. In recent months, Doug has been fitted for a power wheelchair. By having this wheelchair, Doug will be able to have more freedom to move around. He will be able to do otherwise tricky things.
For the family to be able to get to and from places, Bryan and Shannon have had to purchase a van. This van was then sent away to be equipped with a ramp to allow for transportation with the power wheelchair.
It is also important to note that some home improvements also need to be done in and around the home. Ramps are necessary to accommodate Doug's new wheels. Bryan and Shannon will also need to start looking into remodeling the bathroom to become handicap accessible, making it easier for Doug to use.
Doug loves video games and anything Mario; he also likes watching YouTube. And like most little brothers do, he enjoys bothering his sister, Emily. He also enjoys spending time with his dog Two-Way and his tortoise, Tork.
From my family to yours, please find it in your heart to help Bryan and Shannon on this next step of finding the means to support all of these changes financially. No amount is too small. If you are unable to donate financially, donating your time and talents would be much appreciated when the time comes to renovate the house.
Please continue sending prayers for Doug and his family, and from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU......
Bonnie Ashbaugh
In June of 2013, at the age of 5, Doug was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Since then, there have been several doctor appointments and adjustments in medications to find the right combination. Twice a year, he has lengthy, in-depth appointments with numerous doctors and specialists at the University of Michigan C.S. Motts in Ann Arbor, Mi. They include Neurology, Pulmonary, Cardiology, and a Physical Therapy team. He goes through testing, including an Echo, an EKG, and Pulmonary Function Testing.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a rare progressive disease that eventually affects all voluntary muscles and involves the heart and breathing muscles in later stages. Beginning around age 4, boys develop muscle weakness, and it worsens quickly. It starts with the muscles in the thighs and pelvis, followed by the arms. Most children with Duchenne are unable to walk by age 12.
In late January/early February of 2016, Doug was granted a Make A Wish vacation. Together with his family, Doug went to Florida to the Give Kids The World Village. This village is specifically for children with critical illnesses and their families. Lots of smiles, laughs and amazing memories were made. Doug was given a special Star Of Hope that was hung up. It has his name and will stay up at the village as a sign of HOPE for all the kids with life-threatening illnesses and diagnoses.
As the years have gone on, Doug's muscles have slowly started tightening up, making it more difficult for him to be mobile. In recent months, Doug has been fitted for a power wheelchair. By having this wheelchair, Doug will be able to have more freedom to move around. He will be able to do otherwise tricky things.
For the family to be able to get to and from places, Bryan and Shannon have had to purchase a van. This van was then sent away to be equipped with a ramp to allow for transportation with the power wheelchair.
It is also important to note that some home improvements also need to be done in and around the home. Ramps are necessary to accommodate Doug's new wheels. Bryan and Shannon will also need to start looking into remodeling the bathroom to become handicap accessible, making it easier for Doug to use.
Doug loves video games and anything Mario; he also likes watching YouTube. And like most little brothers do, he enjoys bothering his sister, Emily. He also enjoys spending time with his dog Two-Way and his tortoise, Tork.
From my family to yours, please find it in your heart to help Bryan and Shannon on this next step of finding the means to support all of these changes financially. No amount is too small. If you are unable to donate financially, donating your time and talents would be much appreciated when the time comes to renovate the house.
Please continue sending prayers for Doug and his family, and from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU......
Bonnie Ashbaugh
Organizer and beneficiary
Bonnie Ashbaugh
Organizer
Montrose, MN
Shannon Snyder Dockter
Beneficiary