Duchenne Muscular Distrophy
The Hunters Heart Foundation
Hunter Guillmeno is an amazingly brave and courageous young boy that was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) on 03/03/2016. Hunter lost his ability to walk during the summer of 2020 due to muscle and skeletal regression which has left him now fully dependent on his power wheelchair for mobility. In spite of this, Hunter continues to thrive. In elementary school (5th grade), he ran and campaigned for Treasurer of the Student Council and won, was on the Chess Team, and supported the office staff. Also, he is on the Avengers Wheelchair Soccer Team and very active in the Children's Ministry at his church. He is in the 6th grade now and ambitious and eager to embrace this next journey in his life.
In spite of the many medical appointments, medication management, hospitalization, challenges, and unexpected setbacks, Hunter continues to press on, and has a strong desire to engage in and with life as much as his body will allow him to. Hunter has the biggest heart and has always showed compassion and empathy for those he loved, cared about, the homeless, and underprivileged children, while having courage beyond measure. For the reason above and so much more we are Hunter's Heart Foundation.
The Hunter's Circle
Hunter's Circle is a year-round support group program designed to promote awareness of DMD and provide educational resources to individuals and families who struggle with DMD. Hunter's Circle focuses on providing support based on the varying needs of members including mental health, and access to resources. Educational sessions focus on understanding the physical and mental effects of DMD on the patients and their loved ones as well as how to develop strategies that help to create happier, healthier lives for all who are affected.
What We Know~
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to the alterations of a protein called dystrophin that helps keep muscle cells intact. DMD is one of four conditions known as dystrophinopathies. The other three diseases that belong to this group are Becker Muscular dystrophy (BMD, a mild form of DMD); an intermediate clinical presentation between DMD and BMD; and DMD-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (heart-disease) with little or no clinical skeletal, or voluntary, muscle disease.
DMD symptom onset is in early childhood, usually between ages 2 and 3. The disease primarily affects boys, but in rare cases it can affect girls.