What is Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and who has it?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare, progressive, muscle-wasting condition diagnosed in September 2024 in a seven-year-old boy named Kairo Barranco from Sheffield.

How did Kairo Barranco's parents discover his condition?

Kairo's parents noticed he struggled to jump when he was two years old, and later his school expressed concerns about his motor skills lagging behind classmates.

What are the family's fundraising goals for Kairo?

Kairo's family is trying to raise £20,000 to make their home more accessible, specifically for an accessible bedroom and wet room, as his mobility deteriorates.

Home / Health / Boy's Jump Struggle Reveals Rare Muscle Disease

Boy's Jump Struggle Reveals Rare Muscle Disease

8 Mar

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Summary

A seven-year-old boy was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
His parents noticed his struggles with jumping at age two.
The family is fundraising £20,000 for home accessibility.

Boy's Jump Struggle Reveals Rare Muscle Disease

Kairo Barranco, a seven-year-old boy from Sheffield, received a diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in September 2024. This rare, progressive muscle-wasting condition was identified after his parents observed difficulties with jumping, starting when he was just two years old. Initially thought to be tentative, concerns grew as his motor skills lagged behind his peers upon starting school.

Further medical evaluations, including blood and genetic tests in April 2024 at Sheffield's Northern General Hospital, confirmed DMD, ruling out initial suspicions of dyspraxia. The diagnosis revealed the severity of the illness, which affects limb muscles and causes progressive weakness, often leading to wheelchair dependency by early teens.