A heartbroken mother has opened up about her son’s battle with Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, a rare genetic disease that is robbing him of his abilities and could shorten his life significantly. Jade Skidmore’s son, Jayden, was diagnosed with the condition at the young age of five, which weakens the skeletal and heart muscles. At just seven years old, Jayden lost the ability to walk due to muscle weakness in his legs. The average life expectancy for children with Duchenne’s is around 22 years, but Jayden’s parents fear he may not even reach his 20s.
Jayden’s stepdad, Sean Dudley, is planning a special trip to Florida for Jayden, hoping to fulfil his dream of meeting his hero, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. To raise funds for the trip, Sean is preparing for a challenging physical feat in June 2025, involving rock climbing, swimming, and sprinting. He wants to make sure Jayden experiences the best life possible while he is still with them.
Jade recalls a time when Jayden appeared to be hitting his early milestones like crawling and walking, but around the age of three to five, they noticed he was struggling with his motor skills. After a blood test revealed high creatine levels, Jayden was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Jade underwent genetic testing, discovering that she had unknowingly passed the condition on to her son.
Jayden now relies on daily steroids and heart medication to manage his symptoms, as he has lost the ability to walk and is confined to a wheelchair full-time. Doctors have estimated that he may have around 10 years left to live, with potential heart complications looming as he ages. The family is focused on making Jayden’s wishes come true, including swimming with dolphins and meeting The Rock, as they cherish the time they have left together.
Sean is determined to raise the funds needed for the trip to Florida, pushing himself through a rigorous training routine for the physical challenge ahead. He emphasises that Jayden’s dreams are a huge motivation for him and that he wants to make sure Jayden’s remaining time is filled with joy and unforgettable experiences. The family’s priority is to create lasting memories with Jayden, ensuring he lives life to the fullest despite the challenges he faces.
As they navigate through this difficult journey, Jade and Sean remain dedicated to providing Jayden with love, support, and all the opportunities to make his dreams a reality. Their strength, resilience, and unwavering determination to give Jayden the best possible life shine through in the face of a heartbreaking diagnosis and uncertain future.