Uncle Hikes Pacific Crest Trail to End Duchenne on Behalf of Great Nephew

HACKENSACK, N.J., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD)  is proud to announce that Tim Rice, a resident of Louisiana's Northshore, will be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail on PPMD's behalf, beginning April 23, 2012. Tim will hike at least 500 miles raising awareness for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, as well as money to support critical research.

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Tim's great nephew, Jonathan, was diagnosed with Duchenne last year at the age of three. Duchenne is a progressive muscle disorder that slowly robs patients of their mobility, and ultimately, their lives. The diagnosis devastated his family, and they have committed to doing everything possible to support Duchenne research and prolong Jonathan's life.

Tim, who has done some hiking and rafting in the past, says that he is doing this intense journey on behalf of those who are unable: "Because I can, I am committing to at least 500 miles of trekking on the Pacific Crest Trail starting this week. Those with Duchenne begin to lose muscular strength at an early age and walking is eventually not possible.  I am embarking on this hike for those who cannot.  With honor and privilege, I will go as far as I am able." While Tim has experience hiking, this is the first journey of this length and magnitude that he has undertaken.

Sean Rice, Tim's nephew and Jonathan's father, and his wife Mindy, have been actively fighting to end Duchenne since their son's diagnosis. Tim says he is incredibly moved and motivated by his family's passion. In spite of the Duchenne diagnosis, they are raising their son to know no limits. Tim believes that, "We are only limited by what we believe the possibilities are. If we expand our beliefs…I believe the possibilities are endless."

Tim, who will be hiking for at least ten hours a day, is looking forward to the "primal, rhythmic nature" of the hike and has enjoyed training. Sponsors for Tim's hike include Massey's Professional Outfitters, ZPacks.com, and Wild Ideas (Bearikade). These are all local Louisiana businesses with national representation online that helped support Tim's trek by donating gear and supplies.

To support Tim's trek through the Pacific Crest Trail or to learn more, visit www.1Step2EndDuchenne.org.  An anonymous donor will match dollar for dollar every donation made to the Tim's journey, effectively doubling your contribution.

About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne is a fatal genetic disorder that slowly robs young men of their muscle strength. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy is the largest most comprehensive nonprofit organization in the United States focused on finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy—our mission is to end Duchenne.

We invest deeply in treatments for this generation of young men affected by Duchenne and in research that will benefit future generations. We advocate in Washington, DC, and have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. We demand optimal care, and we strengthen, unite, and educate the global Duchenne community.

Everything we do—and everything we have done since our founding in 1994—helps boys with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. We will not rest until every young man has a treatment to end Duchenne. Go to www.ParentProjectMD.org for more information or to learn how you can support our efforts and help families affected by Duchenne.

SOURCE Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy