To know Tonito was to instanly Love him. Tonito was such a vibrant little boy. Although he could not do what most kids did at his age, he was determent to try and Never gave up.
Tonito passed away at the tender age of 14. He was diagnose with Muscual Dystrophy at a very young age.
What Is Muscular Dystrophy?
Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a genetic disorder that weakens the muscles that help the body move. People with MD have incorrect or missing information in their genes, which prevents them from making the proteins they need for healthy muscles. Because MD is genetic, people are born with the problem — it's not contagious and you can't catch it from someone who has it. Several major forms of muscular dystrophy can affect teens, each of which weakens different muscle groups in various ways. Unfortunately, Tonito had Duchenne, the worst kind of MD.
- Duchenne (pronounced: due-shen) muscular dystrophy (DMD), the most common type of the disease, is caused by a problem with the gene that makes a protein called dystrophin. This protein helps muscle cells keep their shape and strength. Without it, muscles break down and a person gradually becomes weaker. DMD affects boys. Symptoms usually start between ages 2 and 6. By age 10 or 12, kids with DMD often need to use a wheelchair. The heart may also be affected, and people with DMD need to be followed closely by a lung and heart specialist. They can also develop scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and tightness in their joints. Over time, even the muscles that control breathing get weaker, and a person might need a ventilator to breathe. People with DMD usually do not survive beyond their late teens or early adulthood.
Our precious Tonito lived 14 great years thanks to his mom, dad, grandma and other family members who loved him dearly.