MEET BRANTLEY TAKES

Bentley is a 9-year-old with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). He was diagnosed when he was 8 years old. We had always noticed he struggled with going up stairs and fell frequently, but we just thought he was a clumsy kid or was different than other kids, never thinking something was physically wrong with him. His school teachers brought up their concerns to us also, so when Bentley had his next well child visit, we asked his pediatrician about it.

After a thorough examination, she determined he did have some muscle weakness and recommended a blood test to check his CK levels which show muscle breakdown. Bentley’s CK level came back elevated above normal. which is a sign that it could be a form of muscular dystrophy. Based on the physical examination and what the CK levels showed, they then did a genetic test to determine what type of muscular dystrophy Bentley had. We received the confirmed diagnosis of DMD on 2/14/22. Bentley is currently on a few medications to slow the progression of this horrible disease. We continue to have hope with new medical developments and trials.

Bentley is outgrowing his current bedroom, and this would be a fun surprise for him and our family. We look forward to him having a more comfortable and relaxed bedroom as his DMD progresses.