Family of Irish boy with DMD desperately trying to raise €441K for medication

Can you help? 

Six-year-old Vincent Lyons from Dublin 15 has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which means his body doesn't have the ability to make dystrophin protein in his muscles. 

Due to this missing protein, muscle weakness increases over time. Eventually, complications occur in the heart and lungs.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for DMD. At present, there are no treatments available in Europe for Vincent's specific type of DMD as he is missing exons 45-50.

One year ago today this intelligent, bubbly, dinosaur loving 7yr old was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a muscle weakening illness that affects his legs, arms, heart and lungs. Please help him get the medication he needs  https://t.co/HL0NewQpqP pic.twitter.com/v5UjYmsZN1

— Victory4Vincent (@Victory4Vincent) January 19, 2018

However, late last year, his parents, Vivien and Alan, were told that a drug that will benefit Vincent is available to ship to Ireland and Temple Street Children's Hospital has agreed to administer it.

The drug will potentially lessen the severe muscle weakness.

It is vital Vincent receives the drug while he is still walking, to achieve maximum effect.

However, the cost of the medication is currently €441,000 plus shipping costs, and there is no financial assistance available. 

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise the money needed for his medication and Cocoa Brown founder and CEO Marissa Carter held a charity masterclass at Dunboyne Castle Hotel for him last Sunday.

The event raised an incredible €10,000.

If you are in a position to help Vincent, you cna donate to his cause here.