Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: a verse

There are two threads X and Y
And on the X-thread, an error arrives
Mutating the ‘DMD’ gene
Causing a condition progressive and mean
07 September is the day to spread awareness about the same
A condition we know as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, by name

A young boy hasn’t walked up to 18 months
Your radar needs to beep!
Super-raised blood CPK may be the first clue
We need to delve deep

EMG and Gene test may follow the line
To cross the first hurdle
And detect this condition in time

Screen their mums early, not late!
Be wary,
A single mutant copy can dilate their hearts,
And cause a second child with DMD
A matter of unease!

Monitor the kids up-and- close
Allow good physiotherapy,
Delay the muscles getting contracted and sore
Timely steroids and breathing exercises
Flu shots and more…

And how can we not mention
Exon skipping, ataluren, CRISPR-CAS9 and gene therapies …
Oh! The magical world of genomic possibilities!
Wingardium Leviosa, Abra-ca-dabra
‘HOPE’, we clinch on to you!
Why let their bodies be wheelchaired?
Let their dreams fly far!

Spread the word,
The condition isn’t all-that-rare
We all need to stand up for these kids
And show that we indeed,
Dare to Care!