main_bannerTeam Joseph, a locally founded nonprofit focused on funding research to fight Duchenne MD, is pleased to announce that Detroit Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello will be supporting a new online fundraising campaign, “Strike Out Duchenne”, at www.TeamJoseph.info. The announcement was made by Marissa Penrod, who founded Team Joseph when her son Joseph was diagnosed in 2008 at the age of 5.

The project will run from August 1-September 19, 2012 with all money donated to be matched personally by Porcello, up to a campaign total of $10,000. Additionally, the top five fundraisers will receive two tickets to a 2012 Detroit Tigers regular season game including an opportunity to participate in an on-field check presentation with Porcello at Comerica Park. The online effort is being supported by the innovative Royal Oak-based CrowdRise philanthropic community.

“Rick’s generosity is heartwarming and inspiring,” said Penrod. “When Rick asked what he could do to help to raise awareness and needed funds, he never wavered in lending his name, time and star power while also reaching into his own pocket. The boys love him and so do we.”

“While most young boys are out running around and playing sports, those with this debilitating disease cannot – and that is a tragedy,” said Porcello. “I have been blessed, as an athlete, with the ability to perform to the best of my physical abilities. None of us should ever take that for granted.”

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common degenerative muscle disease found in boys. As most kids are growing and gaining independence, boys with Duchenne are losing muscle function and mobility. One boy in every 3,500 will be diagnosed with Duchenne.

Donations can be made by individuals and through a team approach, which leverages online friends. A range of giving incentives celebrate Porcello’s jersey #48 and include autographed photos and baseballs at: www.TeamJoseph.info.

Team Joseph is a 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission to aggressively fund cutting-edge research to find a treatment or cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Formed around the fight of Joseph Penrod, Team Joseph began with a mom who wouldn’t let her son be defined by his diagnosis, and with the support of family, friends and an army of volunteers, has evolved into the movement it is today. For more information about Team Joseph, visit www.TeamJoseph.info.

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