Governor Bentley Supports Ride4Gabe Cyclists and Brings Awareness to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley holds hands with nine-year-old Gabe Griffin, a nine-year-old boy who was born with Duchennne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) as the Ride4Gabe group made a stop in Montgomery on Monday, August 11, 2014. Pictured from left are Wes Bates, Addie Griffin, Michael Staley, Governor Bentley, Gabe Griffin and Scott Griffin. DMD is a genetic mutation that brings with it weakness and muscle degeneration. It is the most common form of muscular dystrophy in children, affecting boys almost exclusively. The Ride4Gabe cyclists started their trek in Oregon, and will ride to Mobile to promote awareness and raise funds for research of the disease.
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley holds hands with nine-year-old Gabe Griffin, a nine-year-old boy who was born with Duchennne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) as the Ride4Gabe group made a stop in Montgomery on Monday, August 11, 2014. Pictured from left are Wes Bates, Addie Griffin, Michael Staley, Governor Bentley, Gabe Griffin and Scott Griffin. DMD is a genetic mutation that brings with it weakness and muscle degeneration. It is the most common form of muscular dystrophy in children, affecting boys almost exclusively. The Ride4Gabe cyclists started their trek in Oregon, and will ride to Mobile to promote awareness and raise funds for research of the disease.

By: Lori Davis, Digital Content Producer

MONTGOMERY (Governor’s Office) — Governor Robert Bentley is honored to continue to lend his support to the Ride4Gabe foundation, as they cycle across the state raising awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

The 2nd annual 2,000 mile, 11 day cross-country trek from Houlton, Maine to Mobile, Alabama is in honor of Gabe Griffin. Griffin is an 11-year-old Shelby County resident who was diagnosed with DMD eight years ago.

DMD is a genetic medical condition caused by an absence of dystrophin in the body. This fatal disorder transpires from early childhood and causes progressive muscle weakness that eventually leads to serious medical problems. Although there have been some promising clinical trials in the medical field, there is currently no cure for Duchenne.

“Year after year I am proud to support Gabe, his family and the cyclists who are dedicated to raising awareness for DMD, it is unfortunate diseases like DMD often go unnoticed by the public,” Governor Bentley said. “That is why it is important to support causes like Ride4Gabe, they are increasing awareness and funding for lifesaving clinical research.”

“When it hurts, we think about Gabe and other people who have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy,” Michael Staley, co-founder of Ride4Gabe and cyclist said. “We know the pain that they go through is much worse than any pain that we could ever go through on our bicycles.”

According to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, “Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately 1 in every 3,500 live male births (about 20,000 new cases each year worldwide). Because the Duchenne gene is found on the X-chromosome, it primarily affects boys; however, it occurs across all races and cultures.”

In June 2015, Governor Bentley signed Senate Bill 357, “Gabe’s Right to Try”, into law. This bill allows patients with a terminal illness the right to authorize access to and use of experimental treatments after they have met certain requirements.

“‘Gabe’s Right to Try’ Act was a tremendous success because it helped us send a strong message to Washington from the state of Alabama that we believe patients should have a right to try to save their lives,” said Staley.

The Governor issued a proclamation in honor of Griffin on Monday proclaiming August 8, 2016 as Ride4Gabe Day to End Duchenne.

For more information about Gabe Griffin visit Hope4Gabe.com.

Provided by the Office of the Governor of Alabama | governor.alabama.gov