What is Duchenne muscular dystrophy?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a little known progressive muscle wasting condition for which there is no cure. Being passed on over the x-chromosome it effects, primarily, boys with girls being more likely to be a carrier. DMD is rare with only 1:5000 boys and 1:50,000 girls having the condition. Being a condition that progressively weakens the muscles, DMD is devastating.

To find out more, visit the 79 Exons website.

Why walk?

In 2022, Dominic was diagnosed with DMD. Dominic’s Dad, Steve, has decided that 2024 will be the first year of many where he will be walking 79 kilometres to raise awareness of this condition. His aim, each year, is to also make an impact across communities that are supporting a child with DMD.

Since the diagnosis, we've discovered just how unprepared for inclusivity society is. Unfortunately, this also extends into schools, where students and staff simply do not understand the complexity of being inclusive. This isn't to say that staff and students aren't receptive to the idea - they're just not equipped before it happens, and we want to change all of that.

The law makes it quite clear that being 100% accessible isn't an option, but it's one thing making sure a school has ramps so a child with a disability can move freely around the grounds, but how to they make sure they are being included in all of the other aspects of school?

This is where we are aiming to step in with a program that can be rolled out across all levels of school so that nobody is playing catch up.

2024 was the year of the first walk, and the reach of the message about what DMD is extended to the 1000's. Steve and Matt commenced the inaugural walk at 10:00pm on September 19 and walked overnight to reach the target of completing the 79km by 2:00pm on the 20th.

79 kilometres has been chosen as the distance because there are 79 exons in a dystrophin gene - the one that is effected by DMD which makes it significant for this event.

This year, Steve hopes that this initiative will reach 10's of 1000's of people and is seeking the help of anyone who is interested in participating. You don't need to complete the 79km all in one go - you can divide it into more manageable chunks of as little or as much as you wish.

You don't even have to walk - you can ride, run or even wheel! It's completely up to you.

Having you participate is what we really want!

How does it work?

There are two ways you can get involved this year. The first is by donating using the 'Give Now' button to the right. Of course, before you give, please learn a bit about DMD - after all, that's the main reason for this event.

The second option is to become a fundraiser yourself. You can commence this process by using the 'Start fundraising' button on your right.

From this point, there is no right or wrong way to do this. By sharing the opportunity with your friends, families and communities, you're already helping the spread the word, and any money you may raise as a result of this is a bonus, and very much appreciated.

While the event is called 79 on 7/9, you are free to complete your distance at any time that is convenient for you. You could, for example, choose to walk 7.9km over 10 days, with the final 7.9 to be completed of the 7th of September. Whatever works best for you.

If you've hit that 'Start fundraising' button, you should be directed to your fundraising page that can be shared any way you wish. you should be able to customise it too.

Thank you for partnering with us

Regardless of how you've chosen to help, we are just so thankful that you've done so. By joining us and walking 79km, you will be helping to raise awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and also raising much needed funds to build and sustain inclusive cultures in our schools.

Keep up-to-date by following our 79on7/9 Facebook page.