For Release: March 6, 2015
HACKENSAK, NJ. 鈥 Stanford Comprehensive Neuromuscular Clinic at Lucile Packard Children鈥檚 Hospital (Stanford) was named a Certified Duchenne Care Center by , a nonprofit organization leading the fight to end and demanding optimal care for all people with Duchenne. Stanford is the eighth center to be certified by PPMD, recognizing the Clinic鈥檚 dedication to improving care for people living with Duchenne.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately one in every 3,500-5,000 live male births.
Stanford Comprehensive Neuromuscular Clinic at Lucile Packard Children鈥檚 Hospital is led by Dr. John W. Day, MD, PhD. Dr. Day has over 25 years of experience in diagnosing, treating, and supporting patients with neuromuscular diseases.聽 He is involved in ongoing research defining causes, diagnosis, and novel treatments of genetic neuromuscular disorders.聽 Prior to his arrival at Stanford in 2011, Dr. Day directed the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center at University of Minnesota.聽 Dr. Day serves as an advisor to many scientific committees researching neuromuscular diseases, including NIH鈥檚 Advisory Committees on Muscular Dystrophy and Muscular Dystrophy research.
Kathi Kinnett, MSN, CNP, PPMD鈥檚 Senior Vice President of Clinical Care and co-director of TDCI congratulated Dr. Day and his team at Stanford: 鈥淒r. Day has been a longtime partner in the Duchenne community, as an advocate for both optimal care in the patient community and as a leading researcher in muscular dystrophy. The clinical team he has assembled at Stanford is a shining example of the skill, compassion, and understanding we look for in certifying clinics. Congratulations and thank you to Dr. Day and everyone at Stanford Comprehensive Neuromuscular Clinic.鈥
鈥淕iven PPMD鈥檚 preeminent role in the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Community, we are honored that the Stanford Comprehensive Neuromuscular Program is being recognized as a PPMD Certified Care Center,鈥 said Dr. Day. 鈥淭he Stanford Neuromuscular Team of experts is fully aligned with PPMD鈥檚 mission of conquering Duchenne鈥檚 effects on families, children, and adults; we look forward to linking arms with all PPMD Certified Centers to attain our common goal of optimizing care, which is the foundation for both successful research of future treatments, and effective advocacy so those with Duchenne can lead more fulfilling lives today.鈥
In 2014, PPMD launched the as part of its robust Transforming Duchenne Care Initiative (TDCI). PPMD will continue to award qualified centers the title of Certified Duchenne Care Center in an effort to ensure centers maintain the highest standards in clinical and sub-specialty services, rapidly apply new evidence-based knowledge, minimize heterogeneity in clinical research outcomes, and comply with standards in clinical care that were established by the . As part of its ongoing mission to end Duchenne, PPMD continues to insist that all people with Duchenne receive comprehensive care.
To learn more about PPMD鈥檚 Certified Duchenne Care Center Program, visit . For more information about聽Stanford Comprehensive Neuromuscular Clinic at Lucile Packard Children鈥檚 Hospital, visit the Stanford website.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately one in every 3,500-5,000 live male births (about 20,000 new cases worldwide each year). Because the Duchenne gene is found on the X-chromosome, it primarily affects boys; however, it occurs across all races and cultures.
Duchenne results in progressive loss of strength and is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes for dystrophin. Because dystrophin is absent, the muscle cells are easily damaged. The progressive muscle weakness leads to serious medical problems, particularly issues relating to the heart and lungs. Young men with Duchenne typically live into their late twenties.
Duchenne can be passed from parent to child, but approximately 35 percent of cases occur because of a random spontaneous mutation. In other words, it can affect anyone. Although there are medical treatments that may help slow its progression, there is currently no cure for Duchenne.
is a fatal genetic disorder that slowly robs young men of their muscle strength. is the largest most comprehensive nonprofit organization in the United States focused on finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy鈥攐ur mission is to end Duchenne.
We invest deeply in treatments for this generation of young men affected by Duchenne and in research that will benefit future generations. We advocate in Washington, DC, and have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. We demand optimal care, and we strengthen, unite and educate the global Duchenne community.
Everything we do鈥攁nd everything we have done since our founding in 1994鈥攈elps boys with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. We will not rest until every young man has a treatment to end Duchenne. Go to for more information or to learn how you can support our efforts and help families affected by Duchenne.
Accurate diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular conditions is often complex, and may require a variety of interdisciplinary specialists working together. At Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, our internationally recognized team of experts serves infants to young adults living with close to 50 different neuromuscular conditions.
Our mission is to apply groundbreaking research and personalized care to diagnose and treat patients with even the most challenging conditions, and to deliver superior outcomes through multi-disciplinary care. Patient care teams are comprised of neurologists, a physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech and language pathologist, social worker, nurse practitioner, genetic counselor, and community outreach liaison.
Media Contact:
Will Nolan
(201) 250-8440
麻豆果冻传媒 Children鈥檚 Health, with聽Lucile Packard Children鈥檚 Hospital Stanford聽at its center, is the Bay Area鈥檚 largest health care system exclusively dedicated to children and expectant mothers. Our network of care includes more than 65聽locations聽across Northern California and more than 85 locations in the U.S. Western region.聽Along with Stanford Health Care and the Stanford School of Medicine, we are part of聽, an ecosystem harnessing the potential of biomedicine through collaborative research, education, and clinical care to improve health outcomes around the world. We are a nonprofit organization committed to supporting the community through meaningful outreach programs and services and providing necessary medical care to families, regardless of their ability to pay. Discover more at聽stanfordchildrens.org.
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