Meet Timmy.
Timmy is bright.
And curious.
He has a big smile and an even bigger heart.
Timmy is about the sweetest thing I’ve ever met. He immediately stole my heart with his beautiful eyes and inquisitive nature.
Several years ago, Timmy was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscluar Dystrophy (DMD). What’s that? Yeah, I didn’t know either. So I started researching, and reading, and crying. As a mother of two boys, how could I have NOT known about DMD? 1 in 3,500 boys has it. Over 20,000 babies per year are born with it. And there is no cure. No cure. How can that be? The number one genetic killer of little boys. And there is no cure. Let that soak in for a minute and it will hit close to home.
Timmy’s parents did what any parent would do, they hit the ground running and began to fight for their son. Their efforts led them to Mack & Sally Brown at the University of Texas. Timmy and his family touched their hearts in a big way.
When Coach Brown won the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award, he donated the award of $10,000 to Cure Duchenne. But he and Sally didn’t stop there! They will be hosting the First Annual Dealing For Duchenne Casino Night fundraiser here in Austin on May 1, 2010. They know that every penny, every effort, brings us one step closer to saving little boys like Timmy. Little boys who are usually wheelchair bound during their childhood, many of whom won’t live to see their high school graduation. As I was photographing Timmy today, I couldn’t help but wonder why? And think about how unfair it is. And I know that those thoughts aren’t a fraction compared to what his family goes through. My heart truly goes out to them. I spotted this sign in the hallway today and when I stopped to take a photo of it, I heard Timmy’s dad walk up behind me and whisper “I’m counting on it…..”
These are just a quick sneak peek of a few of the images we captured today. A huge thank you to Timmy and his family, you are truly an inspiration! I can’t wait to see you again. Thank you to Mack & Sally Brown for your time today and your big hearts and kind spirits. Julie, for all your hard work and coordination, I know the kids had a blast at the stadium and having full run of the field too! And MC for assisting me today. I’ll be sharing many more photos of this beautiful family in the near future!!
You can click here to learn more about DMD. If your heart calls you to help find a cure for Duchenne, please click here. Every penny counts!
HOOK EM!
Lynds this just hit too close to home for me. We just don’t realize how many genetic killers there are out there until it hits way too close to home. Our precious boys! The pictures are amazing. I pray they find a cure…ftheseus disease and so many others. What a beautiful boy he is.
MD is so close to my heart. This. Brought tears to me eyes.
My grandmother lived w/ MD her whole life. Not Duchenne’s, but still devastating.
My heart goes out to Timmy and his family. So much is unfair in the world. It is inspiring to see them smiling inspite of it all.
One more reson to love Mack Brown. AND YOU!
It was absolutely my pleasure to help out yesterday. What a fantastic family. I’m also a sucker for little guys 🙂 That 50 yard line shot turned out great!
I know TJ and his family well. Through diagnosis and hope for a cure, they continue to praise God. These pictures capture their hearts and it really is as big as the UT stadium. I hope their story captures your heart.
In addition to the casino night fundraiser, there are others ways you can get involved. If you can’t afford the tickets to the casino event, Timothy’s dad raises money by running marathons.
http://www.firstgiving.com/run4timo
Also, if you live in Austin and want to help. Each year, CureDuchenne, hosts the mile 24 water stop for the Austin Marathon. If you are interested in volunteering your time that day, contact me kedroski@gmail.com
What an amazing story. Beautiful photos. My heart goes out to Timmy and his family.
Wonderful pictures and blogs. My favorite cousin when I was kid was my cousin Bryan who passed away in 2003 from Duchenne’s at an older age for a Duchenne client, 26. I’ve been very active with MDA for about 20 years and love that there this disease is getting more support in the form of new non profits. Bryan’s nephew, EJ, is five now and also has Duchenne’s. Hopefully, the advances in research will speed up over the progression of the disease.
A picture of Bryan and I around age 5-6.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/photo.php?pid=605321&id=1570343802
And EJ, a couple years ago with his mom
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/photo.php?pid=250642&id=1570343802&fbid=1110587776143
Beautiful post. You really captured this beautiful family. I knew Mack Brown was a great and this only confirms it for me more! Proud to be a Longhorn!
wow. beautiful.
This entire blog post made me weep 🙁 Jayden has just been referred to a genetics Dr for abnormal genetic blood tests, so this certainly hit me in a soft spot. I know how hard it is to fight for your child’s health, but every time I look into Jayden’s sweet eyes, I know it’s worth all the fight and stress and I know they feel the same about Timmy. His bright eyes and sweet smile are contagious! We are not sure yet, but we are praying that Jayden’s genetic condition is not life threatening and it breaks my heart to read that Timmy’s is. I cannot imagine the pain his parents must feel and it helps me to realize that although Jayden is having a very rough childhood, it could be much worse. I’m praying for Timmy and his family!
BTW, That 50 yard line picture….AMAZING!!
Lyndsay~Wow! Timmothy’s mom shared this post with me and I am awe struck! God definatly placed you with an amazing family to shoot. You have a true gift and these pictures touched me very much. I adore this family and cant wait to see the rest!!!
My precious Timothy… I have known you since the good news of your conception. You’re adorable. I’m sitting here w/ tears in my eyes after lookin at the beautiful photos (thanks 2 Life in Motion)! I love you, your brother, your mom & dad. You are all our brothers & sister in Christ. We’re here for you Revell’s. I LOVE the pictures. They really capture the beauty of this family. Thanks to Mac & Sally. It means SO much. We will all continue to fight for this cure!
bravo to the brown family and bravo to YOU for capturing it!
My heart aches! I have 3 boys and had NO idea! Going to go donate now. Awesome shots!
Very touching. What a beautiful little man. Love the 50 yard line shot!
You captured this little fellow so well! Great job!
totally tearing up! You have such a way of capturing the spirit of the family, just perfectly:) Your pictures tell their story:) Such a beautiful story here…..
Thanks for the great story about Timmy. I am a close friend and very supportive of this family and their endeavors to raise money for research. I attend the Longhorn games with the boys and it is such fun to see their excitement about the Longhorns. Thanks for sharing this story with others. Granny Pat
What a worthy cause, and such great shots, and with your widespread website so many more people will learn the need for this cure and the fundraiser, so proud of you…
You did a phenomenal JOB!!! Sorry a bit late on seeing these but so, so PROUD of you! and they are probably SOLD on you too! xoxo.
I like the one on the field. Very neat!