Teen With Rare Disease Named Prom King at Arizona School

An 18-year-old boy, suffering from a rare disease, bagged the title of prom king at an Arizona school, reported FOX 10.

Brandon Welscher, a student of Pinnacle High School, is a patient of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). It is a debilitating condition, a form of muscular dystrophy. Around one in 3,600 boys are affected by the disease and most people with the disease do not survive more than 25 years.

According to FOX 10, Welscher lost the ability to walk at the age of 10 and, so far, has endured six back surgeries. At the prom party he was surrounded by schoolmates, who cheered for him. "I just wanted to have a lot of fun with my friends and dance and go out with a bang," he told the news channel.

His friends and schoolmates applauded him when he was crowned the prom king. "Doesn't get much better than that," he said.

Despite having such a difficult life, Welscher said he has a positive attitude toward difficulties. "I have a positive attitude on life. I look at other people and they have it worse. I'm lucky to be alive."

Welscher is quite popular among his friends and schoolmates. His constant smile and optimism has been an inspiration for all his school mates.

After winning Welscher said he hoped that the title will help him prove to people that a positive attitude in life is always powerful than any disease. "I want people to know that kids in wheelchairs can do things that other people can do," Welscher said.

Symptoms of DMD are apparent in infancy and are quite noticeable by age 6 in boys. It is an inherited disorder and is carried by the X chromosome.  Early signs include muscle weakness of the lower limbs and pelvis. Difficulty in standing, climbing and frequent falls. Sometimes learning difficulties are also noticed. Ability to walk is lost by 10-12 years of age and heart and lung functions are affected by late teens.

DNA testing and muscle biopsies can confirm the disease and the type of mutations. There is no cure for the disease but treatment is aimed at control and management for a better quality of life.