2018 – Richard (Rick) DiRocco

Our 2018 dedicatee is Richard (Rick) DiRocco, a 2-1/2 year old boy who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at age 15 months.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness.

Soon after learning of his disease, the MDA contacted Rick and his family to offer support. Rick has become a part of fund-raising, shamrocks, Fisher Cat ball games and the Muscle Walk, which raises money to find a cure and send kids just like him to summer camp.

According to Rick’s family, he spends most of his time bugging his older brother and being his best friend at the same time. Rick loves arts and crafts, throwing a ball around, and just having fun.

“I’m not able to jump or climb stairs and jungle gyms without my mom or dad’s help, but I still have fun,” says Rick. “And the firefighters are a big supporter of the MDA; they always invite me to their stations and to play in the trucks.”

When fundraising, please make sure to let your donors know who we’re riding for.

As you begin to put together your fundraising plan, let people know you’re riding for Rick (or someone else with MD) — and why.

Seeing a person’s name and a face — and learning their story — helps everyone understand why this ride is so important. The Trans NH Bike Ride is the single largest event for NH-MDA and our fundraising is hugely important to Rick and other NH families who struggle with the ravages of muscle disease.