A Father’s Day Letter to My Fellow Duchenne Dads

From Paul Miller

Another Father’s Day is here and I wish you all a meaningful day filled with memories that will last a lifetime. As I think about the most meaningful gift in my life, my son Hawken, I am overcome with pride. To me, he is perfect. His smile, his laughter and his unwavering courage and faith are a daily source of inspirational strength to me. For Father’s Day this year, my wish for you, dads, is unwavering courage as you face this progressive disease.

I am certain that just like me, when the news first sunk in that your little boy had an incurable, devastating disease, you were overwhelmed with grief. That heart-wrenching moment left me short of breath when I thought about how unfair my son’s future would be. However, something quite surprising happened. Hawken responded to the diagnosis with tenacity, unrelenting strength and bravery that to this day, I have yet to see in most full-grown men – or even myself.

All of you whom I have met through CureDuchenne continually inspire me to be courageous for my son and my family. We are in this battle together as fathers. My hope is that I am able to return this gift of courage and fortitude to each of you as we march on to find a cure.

To my fellow dads, I not only thank you, I encourage you to take time on Father’s Day to recognize the important inspirational and support role that you fill in your families. Take a moment to appreciate all that you do for your sons, your families, and all that you do to inspire other Duchenne dads. It is with sincere gratitude that I wish you a very Happy Father’s Day and many more to come.

Kind regards,

Paul