Julia is extraordinary. She loves soccer, Girl Scouts, reading, going to school. She doesn’t just love these things, she is super-energized about them – and about life. At camp, she won “The Most Enthusiastic” award. And at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, when her therapist asks if she is ready, Julia always responds, “I was born ready.” But Julia was also born with something else – Congenital Muscular Dystrophy.

After visits to their local hospital left Julia’s family still puzzled about what was wrong, they came to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. It was here that Julia was diagnosed with Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. At the same time her parents were filled with relief to finally know what their daughter was dealing with, there was also fear. They worry about what her future will be like – whether or not she will be able to live independently, if she will be able to enjoy a full-time career – so many questions. But one answer is clear. They came to the right place to help Julia reach her full potential.

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. We provide the highest level of comprehensive care to patients from across the country.

“Julia’s care team is wonderful. She is always excited to come,” says Julia’s mom, Ella. “Whenever we tell her we are coming for an appointment, she gets so excited and she says, ‘Do we get to see Dr. Flanigan?’ and she fist bumps.”

Each type of muscular dystrophy is passed on by a different gene, and they all have different courses. However, all of the disorders worsen over time and involve destruction and death of muscle fibers. While muscular dystrophy can begin at any time, it is most severe when it starts in early childhood.

Julia struggles to walk, use her arms, her fingers, and has difficulty with fine motor skills. She uses a wheelchair at school so she can conserve energy. She is not able to play with her friends at recess. She dreams of a day when she can jump rope and play tag with her friends. We, at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, share that dream that someday kids like Julia everywhere can run, play, jump, and most importantly just be kids.

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• Name: Julia K.Julia Kutter
• Condition(s): Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
• Age Today: 11/07/200716 Years

Julia is extraordinary. She loves soccer, Girl Scouts, reading, going to school. She doesn’t just love these things, she is super-energized about them – and about life. At camp, she won “The Most Enthusiastic” award. And at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, when her therapist asks if she is ready, Julia always responds, “I was born ready.” But Julia was also born with something else – Congenital Muscular Dystrophy.

After visits to their local hospital left Julia’s family still puzzled about what was wrong, they came to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. It was here that Julia was diagnosed with Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. At the same time her parents were filled with relief to finally know what their daughter was dealing with, there was also fear. They worry about what her future will be like – whether or not she will be able to live independently, if she will be able to enjoy a full-time career – so many questions. But one answer is clear. They came to the right place to help Julia reach her full potential.

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. We provide the highest level of comprehensive care to patients from across the country.

“Julia’s care team is wonderful. She is always excited to come,” says Julia’s mom, Ella. “Whenever we tell her we are coming for an appointment, she gets so excited and she says, ‘Do we get to see Dr. Flanigan?’ and she fist bumps.”

Each type of muscular dystrophy is passed on by a different gene, and they all have different courses. However, all of the disorders worsen over time and involve destruction and death of muscle fibers. While muscular dystrophy can begin at any time, it is most severe when it starts in early childhood.

Julia struggles to walk, use her arms, her fingers, and has difficulty with fine motor skills. She uses a wheelchair at school so she can conserve energy. She is not able to play with her friends at recess. She dreams of a day when she can jump rope and play tag with her friends. We, at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, share that dream that someday kids like Julia everywhere can run, play, jump, and most importantly just be kids.