Published: October 08, 2008 03:25 pm            

Local family, friends are ready to ‘Rally for Ally’

McLeansboro girl, 2 1/2, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy; MDA fund-raiser Saturday

By PAUL LORENZ

paul.lorenz@mcleansborotimesleader.com

McLEANSBORO — When Ally Bridwell was around 6 months old, her mother noticed some delay in her development.

When Ally was a little over a year old, she lost her ability to sit and was having whole-body muscle spasms, her mother says.

About six months later, her parents, Scott and Kim Bridwell of McLeansboro, had an official diagnosis. Ally, now 2 1/2, has dystrophin plus syndrome, which includes Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a disease which gradually weakens the skeletal, or voluntary, muscles — those in the arms, legs and trunk.

“Unfortunately, there is no cure or medication for this form of muscular dystrophy,” Ally’s mother said. “Ally receives a total of six hours of therapy a week. Right now, we are focusing on her muscle tone, speech and her development.”

A Muscular Dystrophy Association fund-raiser, the Galatia Stride & Ride, is being held Saturday at Galatia City Park. A local team of Ally’s family and friends, called Rally for Ally, will be among those participating in a walk-a-thon at the event, Kim said.

Donations, which may be made in Ally’s honor, go back into local communities, Kim said. Funds raised pay for services ranging from flu shots, support group sessions and diagnostic work-ups to research, MDA summer camps and assistance with the purchase of wheelchairs, leg braces or communication devices.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy affects boys almost exclusively, according to information on the MDA Web site. It’s rare among girls, who are more often carriers of the gene that causes the disease, the Web site indicated.

“Ally’s condition is so rare that we do not know how it will progress,” Kim said.

Ally is the granddaughter of Janice and the late George Bridwell of Hoodville and Gary and Jeannette Hart of Dahlgren, and the great-granddaughter of Helen Hart and Loni Rawls, both of Dahlgren.

Like most children her age, Ally enjoys activities like riding her tricycle and playing with her toys. And she likes spending time with younger brother Dax, her mother said.

But she also spends time every day in a standing frame to strengthen her muscles and bones.

“Ally is learning to stand on her own for brief periods of time,” Kim said. “We are hopeful that she will learn to walk one day.”

As parents of a child with muscular dystrophy, the Bridwells are learning “to live day by day.”

“We enjoy every milestone that (Ally) meets,” Kim said. “She is such a lovable and happy child. We are truly blessed that she is here with us.”



GETTING INVOLVED

What: Galatia Stride & Ride

When: Saturday, Oct. 11

Where: Galatia City Park

Etc.: The Stride & Ride will include a Cars for Kids Cruise, with registration from 9 to 10 a.m.; a walk-a-thon at 10 a.m.; family activities and music at 11 a.m.; and silent and live auctions starting at 1:30 p.m.

        

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