DMD Awareness Through PietrosFight

Edgar Alacan is the co-founder and managing director of day-to-day running operations at Jets.com. Alongside work, Edgar Alacan participates in community initiatives and sits on the board of directors at PietrosFight.Org. a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) awareness organization.

A genetic disorder, DMD presents as gradual muscle degeneration and weakness. The muscle cells holding protein, dystrophin, deteriorates, leading to early muscle problems, usually from two years of age, in jumping and general locomotion, with a wheel-chair aid necessity by age 12. Progressing symptoms affect other organs, including distal and extremities muscles, the pulmonary system, leading to respiratory failure.

Founded in 2012, PietrosFight.org aims to create and increase awareness on DMD and raise funds towards research efforts on treatment and alleviation. Donation modes include cash and sponsored events. Examples of the latter are the December 2020 $25 draw to win a chance for a two-hour consultation from custom interior designer Mrs. Maria Barone and the 2022 Superbowl Box fundraiser at $500 a box.

Increasing the Life Expectancy of People

An experienced businessman and entrepreneur, Edgar Alacan is the co-founder of Jets.Com. Edgar Alacan is also on the board of directors at PietrosFight.org, which organizes events to raise awareness on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a common form of muscular dystrophy that weakens the muscles. It is a life-threatening genetic condition that causes the death of most people that have it. The symptoms of the condition begin ever since a child is born, and typically the life expectancy of a person with DMD is up to 30 years.

The condition results in muscular deterioration and can be diagnosed through creatine phosphokinase tests. A study conducted for this disease reveals that a person's life expectancy can be increased if the patients with a few specific symptoms are treated better.

The study revealed that people who die early with this condition are underweight, and their lungs and heart do not function properly. Treating these problems more aggressively is crucial in raising the life expectancy of people with DMD. According to researchers, there are also gene editing strategies and practices that are believed to help cure this disease in the future.