Marcell is a smiling, curious little boy who, for now, still runs, plays, and shares hugs. However, Duchenne muscular dystrophy leaves him no time. This disease progressively strips away muscle strength, starting from the lower limbs and eventually affecting the entire body. According to the current state of medical science, there is only one solution capable of halting this decline.
A gene therapy exists that has already proven it can work. It is expensive – incredibly expensive – but not out of reach. In Hungary, others have already successfully raised this amount. This is why we believe that together, we can make it happen for Marcell too.
The cost of the treatment is almost unimaginable, but we have tried to frame it as a more attainable goal:
We are looking for 130,000 supporters to contribute 10,000 HUF each so that Marcell can receive this treatment. Please, be one of them.
Why is it urgent?
Duchenne does not wait. The sooner we act, the better Marcell’s chances are.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a progressively worsening muscle disease. Every month counts. The younger a child is and the better their physical condition when they receive gene therapy, the more mobility and muscle strength can be preserved in the long term. This is why the timing of reaching our fundraising goal is critical.
Gene therapy is administered only once—once in a lifetime. If Marcell receives it in time, he gains the chance to remain an active, mobile, and carefree little boy for longer.
This therapy does not reverse the damage caused by Duchenne; instead, it can halt the degenerative process and stabilize Marcell’s condition. If he receives it too late, the effectiveness of the treatment unfortunately decreases. This is why taking action right now is of immense importance.
Meet Marcell!
Hi! I’m Marcell, born in August 2019 in Budapest. One of my favorite movies is The Incredibles—maybe because my family is incredible, too. My Mom’s superpower is the endless love she uses to protect and support me. My Dad is as strong as the Hulk; he can carry me on his shoulders for hours. And I have a brother, Boti, who I always want to be just like.
Unfortunately, I suffer from a rare disease called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This condition weakens me day by day, and my muscles don’t support me the way they used to. I don’t know how long my strength will last, but I’m trying to stay brave like a true hero. There is a cure that would give me the chance to live a full life—but this treatment is very expensive. Will you help me so that I can grow up?
What is this disease?
What is Duchenne?
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder that causes a child’s muscles to progressively weaken. The body is unable to produce a protein called dystrophin, which is essential for muscles to repair and regenerate. Over time, tasks like walking, standing up, or climbing stairs become increasingly difficult—eventually, the respiratory muscles and the heart may also be affected.
Today, a gene therapy exists that can treat the underlying cause of the disease and halt or slow its progression. This is a one-time infusion; the better the child’s physical condition is when they receive it, the greater the chance it has to help.
How will your support be used?
Every contribution serves a single, common goal: to ensure Marcell receives his life-changing gene therapy.
Your support will cover the following costs:
- The cost of the gene therapy (1.3 billion HUF)
- Pre-treatment examinations (1 month prior to the procedure)
- Post-treatment follow-up care (3 months of monitoring)
- Travel and accommodation expenses for the family abroad
- Hospital infrastructure and medical care fees
Every forint increases Marcell’s chance of recovery.
One Goal
Every donation covers Marcell’s gene therapy and medical expenses.
Safe Treatment
The treatment is performed at officially designated international centers (USA, Dubai).
We Must Act Now!
The gene therapy can only be administered while Marcell is still able to walk, which is why every day counts.
A Proven Example
There has already been a family in Hungary that successfully raised this same amount.
Secure Donations
Foundation-backed background, verified financial transactions.
Step by Step
You can continuously track how much closer we are getting to the goal.
Every donation is an important step towards the treatment that means recovery!
If you would like to support Marcell’s gene therapy, you can do so via bank transfer. This method of support is simple, secure, and goes directly to the foundation’s account. Every donation received is used exclusively for Marcell’s treatment and related medical costs.
Thank you for bringing us one step closer to our goal. Every forint counts, and every bit of help gives immense strength to the family.