PPMD’s Adult Advisory Committee (PAAC) recently expanded with 19 inspiring new members, bringing the committee to its largest size ever—73 members strong. These incredible individuals bring diverse academic backgrounds ranging from marketing and communication to engineering, cognitive science, and even a PhD in disability studies. They also speak multiple languages including Spanish, Russian, French, and Hindi, helping to grow PAAC’s community reach.
Their unique talents include a developer who created an app for locating accessible spaces, a professional DJ, gamers, and social media influencers with large followings. One member serves as a Commissioner for the City of Sacramento Disabilities Advisory Commission. Together, they are united by a powerful mission to advocate for those living with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy.
Voices from the New Members
Kaden Dickerson shares, “It is certainly hard physically, but having Muscular Dystrophy has made me mentally strong.”
Aleksai Nechaev adds, “People with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy should never give up. We should keep doing what we love, stay social, and share our stories. We are not alone — and if others hear what we go through, we can create a more inclusive world where everyone supports each other.”
Dhruv Mittur highlights the social challenges, saying, “Making Muscular Dystrophy more prominently, publicly acknowledged can go a long way in reshaping patient experiences, particularly in social settings, which are currently inaccessible and hostile to all people with disabilities.”
And Yuva Gambir reminds us to keep spirits high, “My life is hard, but that forces me to party harder ;)”
With such a dedicated and diverse team, PAAC is poised to continue its powerful advocacy, supporting quality of life, care, and community for those living with Duchenne and Becker.
The post Welcoming the New Members of PAAC for Fall 2025 appeared first on Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy.