Cure Duchenne

CureDuchenne is committed to improving and extending the lives of everyone affected by Duchenne through accelerating research to find a cure, improving care, and empowering the Duchenne community.

CureDuchenne was founded in 2003 when Debra and Paul Miller’s son Hawken was diagnosed at the age of five. We are dedicated to addressing the unique needs of individuals and families affected by this disease, with an emphasis on extending ambulation, enhancing quality of life, and prolonging lives through new and innovative treatment. CureDuchenne is dedicated to finding a cure for Duchenne within our lifetime and enhancing the lives of all families impacted by it. With pioneering education and support programs and a focus on ensuring access to life-changing treatments, our organization drives real change for children and young adults with this fatal disease and their loved ones. Our vision is a world without Duchenne.

CureDuchenne is seen as a leader in identifying and de-risking important science that is leading to tangible treatments and ultimately toward a cure. Our innovative venture philanthropy model, in combination with impactful foundation support, funds groundbreaking research, early diagnosis, and treatment access. Since our inception, CureDuchenne’s combined programs and initiatives have made a significant difference in the lives of over 300,000 children and individuals affected by Duchenne.

CureDuchenne is committed to improving the lives of everyone affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy through accelerating research to find the cure, improving care and empowering the Duchenne community. Duchenne is one of the most common and severe childhood forms of muscular dystrophy, affecting roughly 1 in 3,500-5,000 male births. In most cases, children with Duchenne need a wheelchair before the age of 13 and have an average life expectancy of mid-to-late 20s. Duchenne is a genetic disease that weakens the body’s muscles over time and once muscle tissue is lost, it cannot be recovered, as such early diagnosis, treatment, and support are crucial.

CureDuchenne is a national nonprofit based in Newport Beach, CA, serving the global Duchenne community. We offer live and virtual conferences, workshops and training for family caregivers and healthcare providers worldwide.

Like other parents with a child with Duchenne, we’ve been riding an emotional roller coaster since our son was diagnosed. The joys of our son’s smile and determination take us to the top of the world, and then Duchenne muscular dystrophy hits again, and again. Each parent experiences this emotional roller coaster, and we are bound together by the journey as we search for better care and, ultimately, a cure.

CureDuchenne was formed in response to the precise needs of those who live with Duchenne and their families. CureDuchenne is a proven leader in Duchenne research and innovation, investing more than $26 million in research. We have paved the way for venture capital firms and pharmaceutical companies to follow our lead and invest an additional $3.65 billion directly into those biotech companies to continue this potentially lifesaving research. We are committed to improving the lives of everyone affected by Duchenne by accelerating research to find the cure, improving care, and empowering the Duchenne community.

Saving children affected by Duchenne has become our life’s work, and together we can be the best advocates for our children. Please join us and share in the journey of working together to find a cure.

Paul and Debra Miller
Founders, CureDuchenne
Cure. Care. Community.