.png&width=42&height=42&type=webp)
University of Minnesota Athletics
Minnesota Raises Awareness About MD
9/29/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
Coach to Cure MD // Tough Like Tyler // Paul and Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center
The University of Minnesota football team helped support the American Football Coaches Association's efforts to raise awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at last Saturday's home football game.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is the most prolific genetic killer diagnosed in childhood. Minnesota coaches wore patches on their sleeves to raise awareness and hosted Tyler Ash and his family from Prior Lake, Minn.
Tyler was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in April 2015. He was able to be an honorary captain for the Gophers and took part in the coin toss before the game. He and his family also spent time with defensive coordinator Jay Sawvel during pregame.
"I thought it was great to meet Tyler. I thought his family was tremendous," Sawvel said. "I think what that represents is a symbol to try and help people recognize and raise awareness for that disease. There is far too little awareness and far too little being done. Tyler is such a good boy and in great spirits. His family is positive and great people and we hope they find a cure for him."
You can follow Tyler's journey at http://z.umn.edu/toughliketyler. Gopher fans can also help bring awareness and research to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by donating to life-saving research by either going online at www.coachtocuremd.org or by texting the word CURE to 90999 on their mobile phones to give $5 on the next mobile phone bill.
The Paul and Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center at the University of Minnesota is a leader in the field and is part of the university's Academic Health Center. The center facilitates development of clinical, translational, and basic research on muscular dystrophy, enhances and supports clinical care of patients with muscular dystrophy, improves educational experience for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students interested in the fields of basic and clinical muscle research, and increases interaction and support from the regional community of patients and families concerned about muscular dystrophy.
