In less than two weeks' time, nine-year-old Airdronian Jayse Petten and his family will be travelling to Mexico. But this trip isn't an exotic spring break; it is a medical trip with the promise of a life-changing treatment - a stem cell transplant. 

When he was a toddler, Jayse was diagnosed with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, known as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD is one of the more aggressive forms of muscular dystrophy, characterized by progressive muscle degeneration. According to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, it presents progressive weakness and scoliosis, and can often result in problems with pulmonary function.  

"When we found out; I remember when my wife came home from the hospital that day and sat on the couch with this bewildered look on her face and she told me about it," he said. "It was devastating. As parents, you never want to hear that your kids are struggling with anything, not to mention a disease an incurable disease," said Jayse's father, Lyndon Petten.

Despite news that no parent ever wants to fathom, much less hear, the family did not despair and began their six-year journey of researching the rare disorder in the hopes that there was an answer that might help Jayse. 

"We have been following the stem cell research that has been happening and the advances that it has been making, especially in muscular dystrophy. For the first few years that we were watching [the research], [the treatment] was only available in places like India, and a couple of places in Europe," he said. "Then three months ago, my wife's brother call us up and he said there's this stem cell therapy - that we've been keeping our eye on - now available in Mexico."

Because the stem-cell therapy is out-of-country at a private clinic, no insurance would cover the costs. However, the Pettens were adamant that this treatment would mean a new kind of life for little Jayse, and so they set up a Gofundme campaign for their son. What happened in the span of a few days has left Petten shocked, and humbled, but most importantly, he said, it has restored his faith in the goodness of people. 

Donations have amassed nearly $30,000 dollars, which is the monetary goal the family set out for. The money will go towards the procedure itself, travel and lodging for the family, as well as other financial costs. 

"It has just been absolutely overwhelming, in a good way. We just want to thank everybody who has helped donate, and we just want to thank God above; for absolutely just pouring out of blessings on us, and helping us find the way to get our little boy down [to Mexico]," Petten said. "This treatment will hopefully expand his life and increase his quality of life."

Though Petten was not aware that the local fire department has been historically fundraising for funds for Muscular Dystrophy during their annual rooftop campouts, Petten said that the muscular dystrophy community is a global one and hopes to perhaps participate in fundraisers in the future.

For the time being, the family is preparing themselves for a long journey, but one that is promising a new beginning.

"I think mostly he's just looking forward to being able to walk up a set of stairs, like any other kid; like his friends. He's just looking forward to not being left behind because he's been left behind his whole life and I think he's really just looking forward to being able to keep up with his little buddies."

When asked what his advice would be to other parents who are facing the same devastating news the Pettens' faced all those years ago, he said that hope is sometimes difficult, but it is possible.

"It doesn't matter how bleak the situation looks. It doesn't matter what you're facing; there's always hope for us. We found that in our faith and in our community, but there's always hope and always, always, always," he said. "Fight for your right to know more. Do your research. If it wasn't for us continuing, we never would have stumbled upon this opportunity for him to get this potentially life-saving treatment."

According to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Duchenne affects approximately 1 in 5,000 live male births. It is estimated that about 20,000 children are diagnosed with Duchenne globally each year.

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