My son was just six years old when he was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, barely one month after his father passed. Ellis has battled the devastating disease progression for 6 long years . Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a condition that gradually erodes every muscle in the human body. It destroys the ability to partake in the most basic tasks; walking, dressing oneself, eating, chewing, swallowing food, and ultimately, it brutally attacks the heart. Ellis is slowly losing this battle, there is no greater heartbreak for a mother. 

Gene replacement therapy is the only hope for my son and many others suffering from this relentless illness, as it can slow the disease's progression. Yet, United Healthcare has denied the approval for this therapy, unconscionably disregarding its immense value.

Approximately 15,000 boys in the United States suffer from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a condition that significantly reduces their lifespan and quality of life (National Organization for Rare Disorders). Every single one of them deserves a fighting chance, and their families, like mine, deserve the hope that their children can have a future.

United Healthcare's decision casts aside these young lives and puts financial considerations over compassion and humanity. That is not how health care should work. We implore United Healthcare to rectify this situation and approve the necessary coverage for gene replacement therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy sufferers.

Help us in making our plea heard. Please sign our petition urging United Healthcare to recognize the value of these innocent lives and change their policy on gene replacement therapy for our children living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.