Recipient Stories

At the age of five, Kalel was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare, fatal, genetic disease that causes progressive muscle weakness. DMD affects every muscle in the body due to the inability to produce a vital protein called dystrophin. Tragically, most boys with DMD lose the ability to walk by around age ten, and life expectancy is often limited to the late teens or early twenties, typically due to heart or lung complications. While there is currently no cure, hope and research continue to drive the fight against this disease.

In October 2021, Benefit Others Foundation granted one of Kalel’s biggest wishes by sending him and his family on a fully funded vacation to Aulani, a Disney Hawaiian Resort. A donation was also made in Kalel’s name to Cure Rare Disease, further supporting research and advocacy efforts.

Benefit Others Foundation remains committed to standing with Kalel and supporting his courageous fight against DMD, helping him and his family create joyful moments and access the resources they need along the way.