THREE RIVERS AREA — The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 2011 Arkansas Goodwill Ambassador, Austin Simmons, who will turn 11 on March 3, was diagnosed with Becker muscular dystrophy when he was between 4 and 5 years old. The disorder occurs in approximately three to six of every 100,000 males. It is less common than Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Symptoms usually appear in boys at about age 12, but may begin later.
Becker muscular dystrophy is an inherited disorder that involves slowly worsening muscle weakness of the legs and pelvis. The disease is similar to Duchenne MD but gets worse at a much slower rate. Austin experiences difficulty walking and pelvic pain. By the age of 25 or 30, he may be unable to walk altogether, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Although he’s unable to run and play with his friends at Cedar Ridge Elementary School, it doesn’t seem to slow Austin down. His mother, Carolyn Simmons, said everyone at the school helps him get where he needs to go.
“If he needs to go with his class to another building on campus, someone comes around, picks him up in a car and takes him,” his mother said.
“For Austin, living with muscular dystrophy is something that he has to take one day at a time,” she said. “With Becker’s, there’s no definite timeline for how the disorder will affect him this week, next month or next year.”
As a family, the Simmonses noticed that at a young age, Austin wanted to be carried all the time.
“He also stayed tired, which we considered unusual behavior,” his mother said. “Although Austin cannot run or walk for long distances, he knows his limitations and knows when it’s time to stop and rest. He doesn’t like to be treated any different from his peers.”
A quiet boy, Austin appears to have a lot going on “inside.” He’s interested in the latest electronic gadgets and likes to fix things. He especially enjoys his iPad.
Austin and his family don’t know who nominated him as the state’s MD Goodwill Ambassador, but he said he plans to live up to the title.
“He’s so determined to help find a cure,” his mother said. “He’s been raising money to help other kids.”
Last week, Austin and his family and friends were preparing for a “Muscle Walk” to be held Feb. 26. He’s participated in several fundraisers to help raise money for MDA, including MDA “lockups.” In 2009, he was interviewed on the Arkansas MD telethon and will be featured this Labor Day weekend on the Little Rock Fox 16 telethon.
Austin was North Central Arkansas Goodwill Ambassador when he attended the 12 Days of Christmas event in Little Rock. There, he was awarded a medal as Arkansas Chapter Goodwill Ambassador 2011.
As Goodwill Ambassador, Austin will meet Gov. Mike Beebe and be involved in MDA-related activities every month, Austin’s mother said.
Austin said his family members have been his biggest supporters. His brother Cole, 15, “has really helped fire up fundraising,” their mother said. Carolyn Simmons’ mother, Linda Simmons, has been making and selling potholders to help raise money.
Austin’s father, Matthew Simmons, is always there for him, too, Austin said.