worldduchenne Family the heart of care, News

Family: the heart of care – WDAD2025 Documentary

“Family: the heart of care”

The documentary of World Duchenne Organization launched on World Duchenne Awareness Day

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a condition that involves the whole family. And it is the family that lies at the heart of care—bonds that give strength and meaning to everything.

Family can also be the place where we grow and learn, like school. It can be found as well in the communities where we are supported and included.

These bonds help build the future, break down barriers and give courage.

The documentary “Family: the heart of care” highlights these connections through three stories collected in Japan, Mauritius and Greece.

Three different stories, united by the determination to always create the best possible life.

The documentary, promoted by the World Duchenne Organization, is directed by Nicoletta Madia and produced by Arim Communication.

Watch the WDAD2025 Documentary here:

worldduchenne Family the heart of care, News

Trailer of the WDAD2025 Documentary – Family, the Heart of Care

“Family means everyone helps each other, everyone is there for each other, even in hard times.”

Family means so much. People who are part of our lives and who enrich them.

Parents, siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces.

But family is not only that group of people to whom we are biologically and emotionally tied. Friends, schoolmates, colleagues also become part of our family—of those shared journeys and feelings that belong to life.

“Family” is the theme of the World Duchenne Awareness Day 2025.

Three stories are at the heart of the documentary that will be launched on this occasion.

The journey begins in Japan, where Nana builds a future full of bonds for her little son, supported by her parents, the school, and a newly born association created to improve the lives of people living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

It continues in Mauritius, where a father weaves ties and change in the memory of his son, promoting a great social transformation.

The journey ends in Greece, with three brothers growing up together, nourished by dreams and future.

The documentary, directed by Nicoletta Madia and produced by Arim Communication, will be released on September 7 at 2:00 pm CEST on www.worldduchenneday.org.

👇 Watch the trailer here.

worldduchenne Family the heart of care

2025: Family: the heart of care

With this year’s theme, World Duchenne Awareness Day (WDAD) highlights the role of family members for people living with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy.

Living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a journey marked by both physical challenges and emotional resilience. At the center of this journey is family. The love, support, and daily involvement of family members play a vital role—not just in caregiving, but in shaping the quality of life and emotional well-being of those living with DMD.

For a person with Duchenne, parents are often their fiercest advocates and most devoted caregivers; siblings are companions and lifelong friends; grandparents, uncles and aunts are a steadying presence. Family can also be the community where people live in an inclusive way.

WDAD Documentary

On September 7, the World Duchenne Organization launched a WDAD documentary. This powerful documentary followed families from different corners of the globe as they navigate life with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Through intimate interviews and everyday moments, it reveals not only the medical and emotional challenges of DMD, but also the deep love, resilience, and hope that unite families across cultures. More than a film, it is a global call for awareness, understanding, and unity.

About Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy 

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a rare disorder that causes muscles to become weaker over time until it affects the whole body. Approximately one in every 5.000 boys is born with the disease. It is caused by a mutation on the X-chromosome, that is why mainly males are affected. First walking becomes difficult, then other motor functions follow and ultimately it affects the ability to breathe as well as the function of the heart, as the heart is a muscle too. The missing protein also has a function in the brain, so learning- and behavior issues can also be part of the disease. Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) is considered to be a less severe form of DMD.

About World Duchenne Awareness Day

World Duchenne Awareness Day (WDAD) is an annual event held on September 7. WDAD is a global event aimed at raising awareness about Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. The day promotes education, advocacy, and social inclusion initiatives to improve the quality of life for people living with dystrophinopathies. Secondly, it is providing a platform to share personal stories and experiences of those living with the disease.

worldduchenne Family the heart of care, News

The World Duchenne Awareness Day 2025 theme is “Family: the heart of care”

With this year’s theme, World Duchenne Awareness Day (WDAD) highlights the role of family members for people living with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy.

Living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a journey marked by both physical challenges and emotional resilience. At the center of this journey is family. The love, support, and daily involvement of family members play a vital role—not just in caregiving, but in shaping the quality of life and emotional well-being of those living with DMD.

For a person with Duchenne, parents are often their fiercest advocates and most devoted caregivers; siblings are companions and lifelong friends; grandparents, uncles and aunts are a steadying presence. Family can also be the community where people live in an inclusive way.

WDAD Documentary

On September 7, the World Duchenne Organization will launch a WDAD documentary. This powerful documentary follows families from different corners of the globe as they navigate life with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Through intimate interviews and everyday moments, it reveals not only the medical and emotional challenges of DMD, but also the deep love, resilience, and hope that unite families across cultures. More than a filmit is a global call for awareness, understanding, and unity.

About Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy 

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a rare disorder that causes muscles to become weaker over time until it affects the whole body. Approximately one in every 5.000 boys is born with the disease. It is caused by a mutation on the X-chromosome, that is why mainly males are affected. First walking becomes difficult, then other motor functions follow and ultimately it affects the ability to breathe as well as the function of the heart, as the heart is a muscle too. The missing protein also has a function in the brain, so learning- and behavior issues can also be part of the disease. Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) is considered to be a less severe form of DMD.

About World Duchenne Awareness Day

World Duchenne Awareness Day (WDAD) is an annual event held on September 7. WDAD is a global event aimed at raising awareness about Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. The day promotes education, advocacy, and social inclusion initiatives to improve the quality of life for people living with dystrophinopathies. Secondly, it is providing a platform to share personal stories and experiences of those living with the disease.