Page 6 - HH_12_23

On The Cover: The Magic Of The HolidaysBAy Sally Kalossk yourself, when you look backon these holidays, what memoriesdo you want to treasure? What impressions do you want to leave with your friends and family? The essence of the holidays isn’t captured in the minutiae of perfection but in the warmth and joy of shared experiences. It’s about releasing the grip on what seems urgent at the momentand embracing what is truly significant. Reflect on the holiday memories that you cherish. It’s seldom the spotless state of a home or the flawlessly executed event that sticks with you. Instead, it’s the unique aroma of a special holiday dish, or the echoes of laughter from family games, that linger in your memory. The imperfections often fade, leaving room for the essence ofjoy and togetherness to shine through.The memories you create, imperfect as they may be, are the ones that will be savored, long after the season has passed. In the making of these memories, there is magic to be found—a magic that is far more precious than any picture-perfect holidaytableau.Triumph Over Trials: The Munoz Family’s Journey WithBy Sally KalosT he Munoz family discovered when Joshua was 5 years old that he was struggling to run around the bases during his first tee ball practice. He received a diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in early 2013. Surprisingly, no one else in the Munoz family had been diagnosed with this condition before; for Joshua, it resulted froma spontaneous mutation.This diagnosis profoundly shifted theMunoz family’s perspective. Their primary focus became living each day purposefully and maintaining a heart of gratitude. Their faith solidified as their mainstay, guiding them through challenges. “Our planning for trips and outings has become more deliberate to ensure that Joshua and his two brothers get to experience as muchDuchenne Muscular Dystrophyas possible. We emphasize inclusivity in all our family engagements,” shared Maribel Munoz, Joshua’s mother.When asked about the importance o f raising awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Ramiro Munoz, Joshua’s father, remarked, “When Joshua was first diagnosed, we felt lost due to our limited knowledge of Duchenne. However, events like Dealing for Duchenne “Night of Hope” have given us a platform to contribute positively. By raising awareness, we feel we’re genuinely impacting other families going through similar experiences.”Joshua’s interests are varied. He loves to travel, particularly to historical sites. Video games, shared with friends, occupy much of his leisure time, and he also treasuresmoments spent with his cousins. He has a keen interest in History and Algebra, and this semester, he’s delving into Graphic Design. He’s a sports enthusiast and enjoys watching the Golden State Warriors and attending Spurs games.The Dealing for Duchenne “Night of Hope” fundraiser held at Pedrotti’s Ranch in Helotes, Texas was a tremendous success for CureDuchenne, a leading global nonprofit focused on funding and finding a cure for Duchenne. Drawing over 250 attendees, the event raised more than $150k, dedicated to Duchenne research. Cumulatively, over its eight years, Dealing for Duchenne has garnered nearly $1 million for this crucial cause.From Joshua’s diagnosis, CureDuchenne has been a steadfast pillar of support for the Munoz family. Collaboratively, they introduced the CureDuchenne Cares event in San Antonio, aiming to disseminate information and best practices for Duchenne care. They have provided invaluable resources for physical therapists and insights into clinical trials. CureDuchenne Link, a data-integrated biobank, plays a vital role in research endeavors. CureDuchenne also opened their first clinic this year in the greater Dallas, TX area. The CureDuchenne Clinic located at the Neurology and Neuromuscular Care Center, led by Dr. Diana Castro, is providing high-quality care, in both Spanish and English, for underserved and uninsured patients living with Duchenne. AboveFront row kids Jeremy Munoz, Joshua Munoz, Jacob Munoz Back row parents Maribel Munoz, Ramiro Munozall, they’ve infused hope and inspired families like the Munoz’s to make a tangible difference for those battling Duchenne. The Munoz family deeply appreciates this unwavering support.In heartfelt gratitude, the Munoz family said, “We want to extend our sincerest thanks to our family, friends, and the entire community. Special thanks go out to Joshua’s educators at Kuentz Elementary, Folks Middle School, and O’Connor High School. Their positive influence and understanding have been invaluable in Joshua’s journey.”Want toTalk?TryOur Chat Line!Would you like to chat with someone who will listen with no judgement, just empathy? Silver Connect is a free chat line for adults age 50 and older.Our volunteers would love to listen and offer emotional support, reassurance, resources and opportunities to share life’s experiences. Call Silver Connect today!C h a t L i n e : ( 2 1 0 ) 7 5 6 - 5 5 51Monday-Friday 5pm-9pm Saturday-Sunday 9am-9pmBreakfast With Santa! By Cindy Edwards, Helotes 4-H UNL Reporterreakfast with Santa will be the best thing that has ever happened to you!There will be an auction, food and crafts. Most of all, Santa will be there and you can get a picture with him. This amazing event is on December 16th at 8am - 11am. Bring your wishlist, your friends and your family for this holiday fun Tickets - sold at the door for $10/person Held at Helotes 4-H Activity Center2132 Leslie RD, Helotes, TX 78023.Hope to see you there!6www.heloteshighlights.comDec./Jan. 2023-24