Launching for World Duchenne Awareness Day 2026

To mark World Duchenne Awareness Day (WDAD), Duchenne UK is launching the Duchenne Care UK podcast series, which are designed to make trusted Duchenne care information more accessible for families, caregivers and everyone living with Duchenne.

WDAD takes place annually on 7 September. The theme for 2026 is ‘Access Changes Lives’, in recognition of the fact that true progress is measured not only by scientific breakthroughs, but by ensuring that every person living with Duchenne can access the care, support, and opportunities they need to live a full and meaningful life.

In keeping with this year’s WDAD theme, these easy-to-listen conversations have been designed to help families understand what good care looks like in Duchenne and to navigate important health decisions with greater confidence.

Based on the existing Duchenne Care UK patient and family care guides, the podcasts break down the information into accessible, short episodes, making it even easier to absorb, revisit before appointments, and refer back to when care needs change or new treatments begin.  

The series covers seven key areas of Duchenne care:

- Orthopaedic care and fractures

- Respiratory care

- Education and school life

- Heart care

- Corticosteroids

- Bone health

- Emergency care

The podcasts are available via the Duchenne UK website or on Spotify here.

Emily Reuben OBE, Chief Executive and co-founder of Duchenne UK said:

“As mothers of sons with Duchenne, we know from personal experience how important it is to have clear, trusted guidance available to you when you need it most. We’ve seen first-hand the difference that being able to easily access this information can make, particularly in an emergency.

“We hope these podcasts will be a valuable resource for the Duchenne community and help make the Duchenne Care UK guidelines accessible to more families.”

Alex Johnson OBE, co-founder of Duchenne UK and Chief Executive of Joining Jack said:

“These podcasts are a brilliant new way for patients and families to access the care guidance that has been developed through Duchenne Care UK. They provide all the key information in an easy to digest format that feels more like a conversation between friends.

“We’re pleased to be able to add these to the existing resources that have been developed to support patients and families to ensure that everyone with Duchenne can access the best care.”

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