Muscle Walk benefits MDA, muscular dystrophy fighters



MILWAUKEE -- They can walk now, but many of the children at Sunday's MDA Muscle Walk are in desperate need. Without a cure, muscular dystrophy will take their lives.

Families packed the Pettit Ice Center Sunday, March 25th - supporters in the corner of different fighters, all facing the same opponent: muscular dystrophy. With 60 members on hand, it was hard not to notice "Team Danny."

Five-year-old Danny's parents, Melissa Meller and Doug Ell learned in the fall of 2010, Danny has Duchenne muscular dystrophy - one of nine forms of the disease. "He just wasn't as quick as the other kids, so we took him in, and we found out, and we've been working with the Muscular Dystrophy Association ever since," Meller said.

The MDA says the Muscle Walk is, in many cases, the only chance to see the people it's trying to help.

For Danny, the support is essential. With no cure, he faces life in a wheelchair. Each step he takes is one step closer to his last.

Doctors have estimated Danny will lose the ability to walk in three to five years. "Team Danny" hopes the money raised at the Muscle Walk, and in future fundraisers will provide a cure that will keep Danny and so many others on their feet.

Through months of online fundraising "Team Danny" brought in $1,600. Overall, the Milwaukee Muscle Walk raised more than $30,000.

In September, FOX6 News will host a Labor Day telethon to benefit the MDA.