Alex’s Story

Alex and his family’s journey began in early July, 2015. Over the past year, Alex hadn’t been growing at the pace of his peers, wasn’t able to jump or ride a bike yet, and shuffled his feet instead of taking a full stride when he ran. Most concerning, was his difficulty on the stairs. Alex was referred by his pediatrician to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for a series of tests.

Alex’s parents will never forget the day they received a phone call telling them that their four-year-old son likely had some form of muscle disease. They immediately became card-carrying members in an exclusive club; a club whose members are never asked for, nor want their memberships. A few weeks later after receiving genetic test results, Dr. Mendell confirmed what Alex’s parents dreaded – He had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

“Alex is too young to comprehend DMD, what it means, and what having access to so much at Nationwide Children’s Hospital could do for him. These facts do not go unnoticed in our family each and every day. We realize and appreciate how fortunate we are that Alex is still young, we have Dr. Mendell and the neuromuscular clinic on our team, we live so close to a leading pediatric care facility and research institute, and that Nationwide Children’s is a certified Duchenne care clinic.” says Alex’s mom, Dawn.

The Muscular Dystrophy Clinic at Nationwide Children’s is nationally recognized for leading research and clinical care for patients with any of the muscular dystrophy types. Supported in part by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), we provide the highest level of comprehensive care to patients from across the country.

Alex may not fully understand his fight, but he is aware that he is not able to do things that his friends do. He asks others to get things for him when stairs are in his way and tires when he has to walk long distances. But, he’s still a typical 5-year-old boy. Alex loves music and takes any opportunity to dance whenever he hears music playing. He and his family are extremely passionate about golf, and Alex enjoys riding in the cart and hitting or putting with plastic clubs.

“My husband and I have committed our lifetimes to supporting Nationwide Children’s Hospital DMD research and our new-found DMD community. We want everyone like Alex to have a chance at a better life,” says Dawn.

http://nchflutter.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Alex-Rezkalla1000.png

Alex and his family’s journey began in early July, 2015. Over the past year, Alex hadn’t been growing at the pace of his peers, wasn’t able to jump or ride a bike yet, and shuffled his feet instead of taking a full stride when he ran. Most concerning, was his difficulty on the stairs. Alex was referred by his pediatrician to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for a series of tests.

Alex’s parents will never forget the day they received a phone call telling them that their four-year-old son likely had some form of muscle disease. They immediately became card-carrying members in an exclusive club; a club whose members are never asked for, nor want their memberships. A few weeks later after receiving genetic test results, Dr. Mendell confirmed what Alex’s parents dreaded – He had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

“Alex is too young to comprehend DMD, what it means, and what having access to so much at Nationwide Children’s Hospital could do for him. These facts do not go unnoticed in our family each and every day. We realize and appreciate how fortunate we are that Alex is still young, we have Dr. Mendell and the neuromuscular clinic on our team, we live so close to a leading pediatric care facility and research institute, and that Nationwide Children’s is a certified Duchenne care clinic.” says Alex’s mom, Dawn.

The Muscular Dystrophy Clinic at Nationwide Children’s is nationally recognized for leading research and clinical care for patients with any of the muscular dystrophy types. Supported in part by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), we provide the highest level of comprehensive care to patients from across the country.

Alex may not fully understand his fight, but he is aware that he is not able to do things that his friends do. He asks others to get things for him when stairs are in his way and tires when he has to walk long distances. But, he’s still a typical 5-year-old boy. Alex loves music and takes any opportunity to dance whenever he hears music playing. He and his family are extremely passionate about golf, and Alex enjoys riding in the cart and hitting or putting with plastic clubs.

“My husband and I have committed our lifetimes to supporting Nationwide Children’s Hospital DMD research and our new-found DMD community. We want everyone like Alex to have a chance at a better life,” says Dawn.

Share Alex's Story

Comments

More Stories

  • Killian M.

    Age: 14 Years | Prematurity

  • Bryce M.

    Age: 8 Years | Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)

  • Ava V.

    Age: 8 Years | Pulmonary Atresia

  • Layla G.

    Age: 14 Years | Batten Disease

  • LeDarius .

    Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

  • Molly B.

    Age: 26 Years | Patellar Subluxation