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WEKU
WEKU
Health
Rob Stein

Gene therapy for muscular dystrophy stirs hopes and controversy

Susan and Chris Finazzo have enrolled their sons Dylan and Chase in a study of gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The experimental treatment is still being studied but researchers hope it may help prevent the devastating effects of the disease. (Natalia de la Rosa Reyes/Susan Finazzo)

When Chase Finazzo was just a few years old, his parents noticed Chase was pretty clumsy. But they didn't think it was anything serious.

"He would fall a lot. Not like a lot a lot. But he had trouble climbing playground equipment. He fell down the stairs at his pre school a couple of times," says his mother, Susan Finazzo, 40, who lives in Miami.

Chase's younger brother, Dylan, was more agile. But he started walking a little late.

"We're not thinking anything of it. He's just got some weak ankles. He's got some little tiny little orthotics for toddlers," she says. "He's sees an orthopedic surgeon. We've got PT. We're all over it."

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