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Last November the son of a family who has grown so close to my own was told he could never walk again. Doctors said that his disease, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, would leave him trapped in his wheelchair for the rest of his life.

For those of you who do not know, duchenne muscular dystrophy, is a disease in males which cause weak mussles and the person who had the disease typically does not live past their teen-age years. There is still no cure, yet so much research is being put into the cause to let boys walk again.

Last year the same boy, Danny, had suffered a heart attack at the age of 8. Though, being the strong child he his he recovered quickly-- a smile on his face the whole time. But last November, he was told he could not walk.

Danny always tells Santa that he wishes one day they will find a cure to his disease and let him, as well as others effected, walk once more. He is so selfless-- and always willing top help others. The kind of person I wish I could be sometmes.

Well, today when he was at physical therapy-- he took hold of a walker designed to help him, stood up and began to walk after more than a year of being confined to his wheelchair. He is now able to go around his house on his own two feet-- he has gained more freedom as well as a sense of hope.

I have gained hope as well. I have grown close to Danny throughout the years, not due to the fact that he has this disease but for the fact that my youngest sister, who is his age, came up to me when she was in 2nd grade and told me,
"One day... me and Danny will get married. I'm not going to marry him because he is different and everyone treats him different, I want to marry him because he is special to me and one of my best friends. He may be different... but to me, he is just like every kid. Yeah, he may not be able to walk, but I don't care-- I'll carry him if I have to!"

I was shocked that even though she was just in second grade she would say something like that. She is in fourth grade now, along with Danny. Those two are insseperable. She does everything for him, not because he can't, but because she cares for him so much and would do anything to see him happy.

Christmas is a time of hope and courage. Now, I believe that anything is possible. Danny walked, he did what the doctors said he couldn't.

There isn't a cure for duchenne muscular dystrophy, we just have to have hope and look towards the future for one to be found!

So now, I am going to say have a merry and save Christmas. Create memories with your loved ones and enjoy ones company. I wish every one a merry Christmas and a bright New Year. Keep hope and remember when things get rough, they always get better.

Good night everyone.

~Emily