Family Fights For A Cause Close To Their Heart And Home

EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. - May 15, 2013 - PRLog -- EL DORADO HILLS, Calif., May 15, 2013 – Twelve-year-old Riley Oliver is a fighter with the tenderest heart. And the name of his toughest opponent is Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne). On January 4, 2013 Riley was diagnosed with Duchenne, a progressive muscle disorder that causes loss of muscle function and independence. However, with the spirit of any good fighter, he lives life to the fullest, surrounded by the love and support of his family and friends.

On May 23rd Riley’s family and friends will host their very first Hope 4 Riley (http://hope4riley.com) fundraiser at Peter Bertelsen Memorial Park in El Dorado Hills to raise awareness of Duchenne, a little known and often misunderstood genetic disorder, and to raise funds on behalf of his family with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (http://www.parentprojectmd.org/) (PPMD) and Muscular Dystrophy Association (http://mda.org/) (MDA).

“Just after Riley’s diagnosis we discovered Mitchell’s Journey (https://www.facebook.com/mitchellsjourney) on Facebook. This special boy and his family touched us so deeply and motivated us to not only live

life to its fullest but to fight for a cure for all our Duchenne families. We want everyone to know more out Duchenne muscular dystrophy and how it affects people in our own neighborhoods and communities,” said Nicole France Riley’s mother “Our fundraiser is a fun way to raise awareness and celebrate Riley’s 13th birthday.”

Riley and his family are is actively involved with PPMD and are currently preparing to participate in Run For Our Sons half-marathon this fall. “We hope to inspire El Dorado Hills and surrounding communities to come out, have fun, and make a generous contribution in support of Riley, PPMD, and MDA” said Joe Yocca, Riley’s step-father.

The event is open to the public. Visit http://hope4rileybirthday.eventbrite.com for additional information and to RSVP. Event coordinators are also in need of donations of product and services to include in the silent auction and raffle as well as food for the event, if interested in donating please contact nicole@hope4riley.com.

About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne is a fatal genetic disorder that slowly robs young men of their muscle strength. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy’s 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.

About Muscular Dystrophy Association
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases today affecting more than 1 million Americans. The Association does so by funding research, providing comprehensive health care and support services, and through advocacy and education.

In addition to funding more than 250 research projects worldwide, MDA maintains a national network of 200 medical clinics; facilitates support groups for families affected by neuromuscular diseases; and provides local summer camp opportunities for thousands of youngsters with progressive muscle diseases.