HACKENSACK, N.J., Nov. 10, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), the largest non-profit organization in the United States focused on finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne), announced that Founding President and CEO Patricia Furlong was named one of WebMD's 2010 Health Heroes.
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Ms. Furlong is one of six individuals recognized by the magazine and website this year. The acknowledgment includes a $2,500 gift for Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy.
Ms. Furlong was overwhelmed by the recognition. "I am truly honored by this award. WebMD continues to be the leader in online medical and health information. To have the organization acknowledge the work of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy is humbling."
She continues, "When my sons were diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, I knew that I had two choices. I could give in to the advice of doctors and give up on my sons, or I could fight. I knew that I may not be able to save my sons, but if I could just buy five more minutes of time with them, I would be successful. Sixteen years later, we are still trying to buy time with our sons. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy takes its role as the leader in the fight to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy very seriously. We are fighting Duchenne with a comprehensive approach focusing on research, advocacy, awareness, education, and perhaps most importantly, care for our sons. I lost my boys to this disease, but I spend every day and will continue to spend every day fighting so that other families don't miss out on any of life's precious moments with their children.
"WebMD is recognizing my work and the work of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, and helping to address one of our greatest challenges in the Duchenne community – raising awareness. I am excited and hopeful that this award will help add Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the world's vocabulary. We can end Duchenne, and we will end Duchenne."
To read more about Ms. Furlong and to meet WebMD's other 2010 Health Heroes, visit http://www.webmd.com/healthheroes.
About Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Duchenne, the most common form of childhood muscular dystrophy, is a progressive and fatal muscle disorder affecting boys and young men that causes the loss of muscle function, wheelchair dependency and a decline in respiratory and cardiac function.
About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) is a national not-for-profit organization founded in 1994 by parents of children with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. The organization's mission is to improve the treatment, quality of life and long-term outlook for all individuals affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy through research, advocacy, education and compassion. PPMD is headquartered in Middletown, Ohio with offices in Fort Lee, New Jersey. For more information, visit www.parentprojectmd.org.
SOURCE Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
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