Dalton, GA – On Friday, September 6, City Park School and Hammond Creek Middle School joined together to celebrate World Duchenne Awareness Day, raising awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
Students and staff at both schools wore red to show their support, while Hammond Creek Middle School hosted a special assembly led by the family of Arden Brown, a Duchenne warrior. During the assembly, Arden’s family shared ways students can support and better understand what it means to live with Duchenne, helping foster compassion and awareness among their peers.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a genetic disorder that gradually weakens muscles, including those that control breathing and the heart. Though there is no cure yet, awareness days like this bring attention to the fight for a cure and encourage support for those living with the condition.
For Kristen Krnjic, a member of the City Park School community, this day holds special significance, as her son, Zlatan, is also a Duchenne warrior. Kristen highlighted how crucial early diagnosis is for children living with Duchenne, which is often identified around the age of 4 or 5. Delays in diagnosis can lead to missed opportunities for proper care, making it even more important for educators and communities to be informed.
Both schools are proud of how their students and staff came together to support World Duchenne Awareness Day. The compassion shown at the Hammond Creek assembly and the sea of red worn by the students and staff reflect the unity and dedication of the Dalton Public Schools community.
For more information about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and how you can support the cause, visit worldduchenneday.org. If you have any questions, please contact Kristen Krnjic.
Dalton Public Schools is grateful to everyone who participated and helped make this important day a success!