Cycling Against Duchenne

When Luc Vandevyvere received the news that his grandson Stan had been diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), his joy turned to fear. In patients with DMD, the muscles slowly deteriorate and weaken. Duchenne affects 1 in 3,500 boys. When the disease also impacts the heart and respiratory muscles, it is fatal. In the fight against this severe hereditary disease, Luc has already raised €22,000 for VUB’s gene therapy research led by Prof. Dr. Thierry VandenDriessche.

Gene therapy shows promising results

The condition is caused by a defect in the dystrophin gene on the X chromosome. At birth, the disease is not visible, but from early childhood motor problems begin to appear. Children have difficulty standing up, and running or climbing stairs is challenging. A wheelchair becomes essential from around age 8.

The road to a cure is still long, but VUB’s gene therapy research shows promising results. For over 20 years, Prof. Dr. Thierry VandenDriessche and Prof. Dr. Marinee Chuah, from the Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, have been dedicated to treating muscle diseases. Gene therapy allows disease-causing genes to be replaced with healthy counterparts. The research team sought a way to introduce a copy of a functional dystrophin gene into the genetic material of muscle cells to compensate for the defective gene. To activate the healthy gene, they developed a naturally occurring “turbo engine” that significantly improves the efficacy and safety of gene therapy. This prevents muscle deterioration and represents an important first step toward further clinical applications.

Join the ride!

In August, Luc will once again embark on a two-week cycling journey in the fight against Duchenne. This year, he wants to motivate as many supporters as possible to join him and help raise funds for gene therapy research. Encourage yourself, family, friends, and acquaintances to ride along and support Duchenne patients! The starting signal will be given on August 13 in Wevelgem.

Discover the cycling route:

  • Day 1: Sunday 13-08: Wevelgem – Zonnebeke, 75 km
  • Day 2: Monday 14-08: Zonnebeke – Westende, 70 km
  • Day 3: Tuesday 15-08: Westende – Oostkamp, 73 km
  • Day 4: Wednesday 16-08: Oostkamp – Wetteren, 69 km
  • Day 5: Thursday 17-08: Wetteren – Kruibeke, 64 km
  • Day 6: Friday 18-08: Kruibeke – Kasterlee, 78 km
  • Day 7: Saturday 19-08: Kasterlee – Leopoldsburg, 63 km
  • Day 8: Sunday 20-08: Leopoldsburg – Maasmechelen, 77 km
  • Day 9: Monday 21-08: Maasmechelen – Borgloon, 76 km
  • Day 10: Tuesday 22-08: Borgloon – Hoegaarden, 67 km
  • Day 11: Wednesday 23-08: Hoegaarden – Beersel, 71 km
  • Day 12: Thursday 24-08: Beersel – Brakel, 70 km
  • Day 13: Friday 25-08: Brakel – Anzegem, 56 km
  • Day 14: Saturday 26-08: Anzegem – Wevelgem, 50 km

Follow the Cycling Against Duchenne Facebook page for updates!

Up for a summer charity bike ride? Let us know at foundation@vub.be. Anyone who wants to contribute already can do so via VUB account BE51 0013 6779 3562 with the reference GIFT FO10. Donations of €40 or more will receive a tax certificate next year. Every gift is welcome!

What you give to VUB comes back to you.

VUB Foundation
Steun de VUB | Vrije Universiteit Brussel

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