Team Eli

For those of you who know me (and many of you who do not), would know that this past year has been anything but an easy one. My first born son, Eli, was clinically diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy last year right after his 3rd birthday in October 2013. This is a link (http://mda.org/disease/duchenne-muscular-dystrophy/signs-and-symptoms) that explains in more detail what is happening with Eli right now. However, in short, his body is lacking the instructions to rebuild muscle. His body is preventing itself from making stronger muscles; instead, the muscle tissue is being replaced with fatty deposits and scar tissue. Eli's muscles are wasting and will start to atrophy.

When you think of your children, images of dancing with them at their wedding, teaching them to play football, driving them to college, rocking your first grandbaby, are all too familiar. In Eli's case, his life expectancy dropped to 20 years, maybe 25 years of age?

I have debated long and hard whether I would post something publicly, but after much self-realization I have come to terms with knowing that I cannot do this by myself. I need my friends. I need my family. I need my community. You are my community. I need your help. Now. Not ten years. Not five years. Now.

I will not sit back and do nothing. This is important, this is my son. Eli is not a number, or just a story you read on Facebook. Eli is a living breathing little person that makes is someone's whole world. He is at the center of my heart. His baby brother and him are the reason I breathe every morning and my heart beats. They are the reason I want to be a better mother, a better woman, and a better person.

These t-shirts are going to help raise the personal goal of $3,000.00 with the MDA Muscle Walk this year in Detroit at Ford Field, Saturday, March 22nd at 10 AM. In regards to the walk, there is also a goal of at least 30 people to walk with me and my family. I am also distributing the green and gold Shamrocks that most are probably familiar with from various businesses. The goal for those is $1,000.00. If you know of a small business owner, an idea to distribute the Shamrocks, suggestions on how we reach that goal, etc. PLEASE message me.

If you would like to walk with me and my family at Ford Field, you are more than welcome. I would love to see many of you. This is support. This is community.

I cannot even begin to express the outpouring of support, encouragement, and honest love that have come from people known and unknown. Thank you. Truly. There are not words strong enough to thank all of you for what you have already done for me and my family.

My e-mail is jaclyn.ann.mason@gmail.com and my cell is 810-965-5548 for those who would like more information.

Please... help me help my son. Help me make a muscle. Help me make a difference. Buy a shirt and know that you are not just making a difference in his life now, but his future. Buy a shirt and know that you are making a difference in the heart and mind of his mother that is asking for your support.

Thank you.