By Sam O’Toole –
KALAMAZOO – The Western Michigan Bronco hockey program will host their annual ‘Ice Duchenne’ weekend on Friday and Saturday at Lawson Ice Arena, teaming up with Jesse’s Journey.
The Broncos’ annual “Ice Duchenne” weekend – part of their “No Bad Days” campaign – helps raise awareness and money to support research for Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy. The WMU Hockey family has been hit rather close to home by the disease.
Louie Facca, the son of WMU’s associate head coach Rob Facca, was diagnosed with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy four years ago. Duchenne’s affects approximately one in 3,500 boys worldwide and is the most common fatal genetic diagnosed during childhood.
The disease results in the degeneration of muscle, affecting the legs, heart, lungs and brain. While there is no cure, aggressive therapy and treatments have helped Louie and many boys around the world slow the effect of the disease.
Louie’s grandfather, Bob Facca, will walk 2,500 miles beginning in May to help raise money to spurt research and increase public awareness for DMD; Grandpa Bob plans to walk from Quebec City, Quebec to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
In addition to supporting his grandson and tens of thousands of young boys who are affected, ‘Grandpa Bob’ is also continuing the work started by John and Sherene Davidson, whose son, Jesse, was also diagnosed with DMD.
In 1995, John began his tremendous mission of pushing his 15-year-old son across Ontario in his wheelchair. In 1998, John made a 5,100-mile long trek across Canada, this time alone, and raised $2 million in donations for DMD.
The Davidson family founded Jeese’s Journey, the Foundation for Gene and Cell Therapy.
The seven other members of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference will also be showing their support this weekend by wearing “No Bad Days” stickers on the back of their helmets.
Fans who are in Kalamazoo can donate during the games on Friday and Saturday against the Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks. “No Bad Days” and Jesse’s Journey bracelets will be on sale as well. The first 2,000 fans each night will also receive “No Bad Days” rally towels.
Donations can also be made via check made out to the WMU Foundation with “Ice Duchenne” in the memo or online.
Former Bronco Danny DeKeyser’s autographed Detroit Red Wings jersey will also given to anyone who makes a donation of $500 or more. DeKeyser will also participate in a ceremonial puck drop on Saturday with Grandpa Bob and Louie.