Living with Disease

Living with disease
Reno, Nev—Trent Wells, 13, lived a normal, healthy life until his Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) diagnosis in June of 2000.

Trent hasn't let his disability affect his determination to do the things he has always loved to do; he is currently Muscular Dystrophy Association's (MDA) Nevada State Goodwill Ambassador. Trent has used this position to influence and teach people about muscular dystrophy. When he talks about his disease to others he says, "DMA is something you can't catch, it is a gene that is inherited."

DMA is generalized weakness and muscle wasting first affecting the muscles of the hips, pelvic area, thighs and shoulders. DMD eventually affects all voluntary muscles, and the heart and breathing muscles. Survival is rare beyond the early thirties.

As Goodwill Ambassador Trent has participated in many MDA sponsored events including speaking at the annual Jerry Lewis Telethon, MDA Summer Camp, the ERA Golf Tournament and numerous other MDA sponsored events.

Trent’s mother, Karin Wells said Trent, "has a great attitude and is very positive, he just caries on." Karin is Trent's number one fan and supports MDA, "the public needs to be aware that the donations they give to MDA is needed to fund research so we can find a cure for these kids."

Trent is an honor roll student at Damonte Ranch Public School, recently finishing the 7th grade. He participates in the drama club and played little Timmy in his school play, "A Christmas Story."

When Trent is not participating in MDA Events or at school he enjoys swimming, playing x-box, watching movies and he hangs out with friends whenever he can. As the disease progresses it gets more difficult for Trent to fully participate in the activities that he has always liked to do. Trent is excited to participate in Utah’s summer camp July 23rd-=29th, where the people surrounding him have similar limitations and the activities are catered to facilitate those limitations.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual, private contributors.