Skip to main content
Crescent
image-community-stories-1

ELEVIDYS voices

From diagnosis to treatment to the days beyond, life with Duchenne is a journey. Here you can explore stories from others in the community about ELEVIDYS, find comfort in shared experiences, and discover different families’ perceptions in their own words.

The stories featured here include families with younger children, since treatment was initially approved for a limited age range. Now that ELEVIDYS is approved for people 4 years of age and older, we’ll be sharing more stories from the broader community. Check back often for updates!

Share your story

Reach out to us if you’d like to share your story with the community.

This section is a modal
Off
Lotties
1 - src: /sites/default/files/2025-02/crescent%208.json / styles: top: -144px; right: -312px; height: 693px; position: absolute; / loop: Off

A GROWING COMMUNITY

From diagnosis to treatment to the days beyond, life with Duchenne is a journey. Here, you can explore stories from some of the more than 1,000 families who, together with their doctors, chose ELEVIDYS.*

Families have been compensated for the time required to share their story.

Lotties
1 - src: /sites/default/files/2025-12/polaroid%20triple.json / styles: top: -53px; left: 56px; width: 584px; height: 472px; position: absolute; / loop: On
This section is a modal
Off

Andrew   Shown here at age 5

"On treatment day, I thought of my brother, and I felt so grateful for this medicine."

- Jessica, Andrew's mom

Jason   Shown here at age 6

Watch Jason's story

“The entire team at the hospital was so helpful. We were comfortable because we knew there was going to be someone there with us every step of the way.” 

- Sylvia, Jason’s mom

 

This section is a modal
Off
ELEVIDYS families

Jaxson   Shown here at age 6

“After learning about ELEVIDYS, I knew I wanted Jaxson to have this opportunity.”

Angela, Jaxson’s mom

This section is a modal
Off

Julius   Shown here at age 6

Watch Julius' story

“Looking back at all the circumstances that led us to ELEVIDYS and his treatment, there’s no doubt that we would make the same decision over again.” 

- Matthew, Julius’ dad

 

Nathaniel   Shown here at age 6

“Having treatment with ELEVIDYS was not an easy decision — I was a nervous wreck! — but it was the right choice for Nathaniel.” 

- Carolyn, Nathaniel’s mom

This section is a modal
Off

Alex   Shown here at age 6

“Making the decision to move forward was the hardest of my life. After educating myself and discussing it with family, I trusted my gut … every day I’m grateful I did.” 

- Daylee, Alex’s mom

Carter   Shown here at age 4

Watch Carter's story

“I had to become a lion for my son.”

- Kristen, Carter’s mom

 

This section is a modal
Off
Modal ID
jaxson-story

Jaxson, shown here at age 6

 

ELEVIDYS through a different lens
 

My sweet boy Jaxson has autism and faces significant cognitive challenges that have impacted his Duchenne journey and his ELEVIDYS treatment. 

It breaks my heart to see him struggle. But in some ways, it brings a sense of peace to think that his way of seeing the world may protect him from fully feeling the weight of Duchenne’s challenges. Instead, Jaxson gets to focus on doing the things that really matter to him, like dressing up as a superhero or playing with his dinosaurs.

After learning about ELEVIDYS, I knew I wanted Jaxson to have this opportunity.

On treatment day, I explained that we were going to the clinic for medicine to help his muscles. He didn’t think much of it, because he is used to going to doctors’ appointments. But I still worried he would get anxious. I let him wear his favorite pajamas and brought his cherished teddy bear and blanket.

When we arrived at the clinic, he started getting nervous and clung to me like a spider monkey. Unlike some other children with autism, Jaxson loves being held, so I climbed into bed with him and stayed by his side. The clinic’s child development specialists brought him light-up toys and dinosaurs. 

Looking back, I realize I didn’t need to be so nervous. Jaxson handled it much better than I expected. 

To other families with a neurodiverse child, my advice is to trust your instincts on how to make them comfortable during their ELEVIDYS treatment. Rely on the deep connection you share to guide you. You know your child best.

Angela, Jaxson's mom

This story is a summary of one person’s experience and does not include all relevant information about ELEVIDYS. Please review the ELEVIDYS Treatment Guide for important information, including eligibility, safety, and monitoring. 

Please see Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, and Medication Guide for ELEVIDYS.

 

01/26 C-GT01-US-0474-V1

ELEVIDYS-Delandistrogene moxeparvovec-rokl
This section is a modal
On
Modal ID
nathaniel-story
Read about Nathaniel's journey

Nathaniel, shown here at age 6

 

Finding light in the dark
 

When we heard the news of Nathaniel’s diagnosis, it was as if the world went dark. The more we learned about Duchenne, the more overwhelmed and alone we felt. 

A glimmer of light appeared when our doctor shared that the FDA had approved the first gene therapy for Duchenne. There was a lot to consider as he walked us through the treatment process, but we felt so supported knowing Nathaniel would be closely monitored and our doctor would be there to answer questions. Our faith gave us additional comfort when making this difficult choice. Even our SareptAssist contact was by our side the entire time, checking in to see how we were doing and answering our many questions.

Having treatment with ELEVIDYS is not an easy decision, but it was the right choice for Nathaniel.

On treatment day, I was a nervous wreck the entire 2-hour drive to the treatment center. I knew in my heart this was the right decision, but I was scared that something would go wrong. However, when we arrived, everyone was so kind and supportive. Nathaniel was anxious about getting poked with the IV needle, but his care team gave him a teddy bear and let him put a little IV in it. Once the infusion started, the nurses brought him toys and he watched TV. We couldn’t have asked for a better care team.

Nathaniel

Walking this path can feel daunting, but know there are others here to help you find your way. I am infinitely thankful for the many people who were with us at every step!

Carolyn, Nathaniel's mom

This story is a summary of one person’s experience and does not include all relevant information about ELEVIDYS. Please review the ELEVIDYS Treatment Guide for important information, including eligibility, safety, and monitoring. 

Please see Important Safety Information , full Prescribing Information , including Boxed Warning, and Medication Guide for ELEVIDYS.

01/26 C-GT01-US-0508-V1

ELEVIDYS-Delandistrogene moxeparvovec-rokl
This section is a modal
On
Modal ID
nathaniel-story-spanish
nathaniel

Nathaniel, se muestra aquí a los 6 años

 

Encontrar luz en la oscuridad
 

Cuando nos enteramos del deagnóstico de Nathaniel, fue como si el mundo se oscureciera. Cuanto más conocíamos sobre la enfermedad de Duchenne, más abrumados y solos nos sentíamos.

Un rayo de luz apareció cuando nuestro médico dijo que la Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos (Food and Drug Administration, FDA) había aprobado la primera terapia genética para Duchenne. Había mucho por considerar mientras nos explicaba el proceso de tratamiento, pero nos sentimos muy apoyados al saber que Nathaniel sería supervisado de cerca y que nuestro médico estaría allí para responder nuestras preguntas. Nuestra fe nos dio más tranquilidad a la hora de tomar esta decisión difícil. Incluso nuestro contacto de SareptAssist estuvo a nuestro lado todo el tiempo, comunicándose para ver cómo estábamos y respondiendo nuestras muchas preguntas.

Recibir tratamiento con ELEVIDYS no es una decisión fácil, pero fue la elección correcta para Nathaniel.

El día del tratamiento, estuve nerviosa durante las 2 horas que duró el trayecto hasta el centro de tratamiento. En mi corazón sabía que esta era la decisión correcta, pero tenía miedo de que algo saliera mal. Sin embargo, cuando llegamos, todos fueron muy amables y comprensivos. A Nathaniel le daba miedo que lo pincharan con la aguja intravenosa, pero su equipo de asistencia le dio un osito de peluche y dejó que le pusiera una vía intravenosa pequeña. Una vez que comenzó la infusión, el personal de enfermería le llevó juguetes y se puso a ver televisión. No pudimos haber tenido un mejor equipo de asistencia.

nathaniel polaroids

Recorrer este camino puede parecer abrumador, pero debe saber que aquí hay otros para ayudarlo a encontrar su camino. Estoy infinitamente agradecida por las muchas personas que nos acompañaron en cada paso.

Carolyn, mamá de Nathaniel

Esta historia es un resumen de la experiencia de una persona y no incluye toda la información relevante sobre ELEVIDYS. Revise la Guía de tratamiento de ELEVIDYS para obtener información importante, incluida la elegibilidad, la seguridad y la supervisión.

Consulte la Información importante de seguridad y la Información de prescripción completa de ELEVIDYS.

elevidys brand callout
This section is a modal
On
Modal ID
alex-story-spanish
Read about Alex's journey

Alex, se muestra aquí a los 6 años

 

Una elección reflexiva
 

Estoy muy contenta de haber elegido ELEVIDYS para Alex; sin embargo, tomar la decisión fue lo más difícil de mi vida. Cuando su médico le recomendó ELEVIDYS por primera vez, fue difícil saber si era el camino correcto para nosotros. Alex tenía solo 5 años y me preocupaba correr un riesgo con mi dulce hijito, pero mi instinto me decía que necesitaba aprender más.

Alex

Investigué durante horas y lo hablé muchas veces con el médico de Alex. En una cita, el médico me ayudó a considerar las ventajas y desventajas, y respondió todas las preguntas a las que no tenía respuesta. La opinión de mi familia también fue importante porque siempre fueron mi mayor sistema de apoyo para Alex. Estuvieron de acuerdo con el papá de Alex, que había dicho: “Si no hacemos esto, siempre nos preguntaremos lo que podría haber sido”. Aunque estaba preocupada, como madre, tuve que seguir mi instinto y seguir adelante con el tratamiento.

Después de informarme y hablarlo con mi familia, confié en mi instinto y elegí ELEVIDYS.

Cuando llegó el día del tratamiento, estaba muy nerviosa. Respiré hondo muchas veces, abracé mucho a Alex y confié en mí misma.

Alex

Hoy, 9 meses después del tratamiento, estoy muy contenta con el camino que elegí y agradecida con las personas que me animaron a pensar en todas las posibilidades. Elegir ELEVIDYS no fue fácil, pero todos los días estoy agradecida de haberlo hecho.

Esta historia es un resumen de la experiencia de una persona y no incluye toda la información relevante sobre ELEVIDYS. Revise la Guía de tratamiento de ELEVIDYS para obtener información importante, incluida la elegibilidad, la seguridad y la supervisión.

Consulte la Información importante de seguridad y la Información de prescripción completa de ELEVIDYS.

ELEVIDYS-Delandistrogene moxeparvovec-rokl
This section is a modal
On
Modal ID
alex-story
Read about Alex's journey

Alex, shown here at age 6
 

A thoughtful choice
 

I’m so happy I chose ELEVIDYS for Alex; however, making the decision was the hardest of my life. When his doctor first recommended ELEVIDYS, it was difficult to know if it was the right path for us. Alex was only 5 years old, and I was worried I’d be taking a risk with my sweet little boy, but my gut was telling me I needed to learn more.

Alex

I did hours of research and talked it through with Alex’s doctor many times. At one appointment, she helped me weigh the pros and cons and answered all my questions I did not have answers to. My family’s opinion was also important because they have always been my biggest support system for Alex. They agreed with Alex’s dad, who had said, “If we don’t do this, we will always wonder what could have been.” Even though I was worried, as a mom, I had to follow my gut and move forward with treatment.

After educating myself and discussing it with family, I trusted my gut and chose ELEVIDYS.

Today, 9 months after treatment, I am so happy with the path I chose, and grateful to the people who encouraged me to think through all the possibilities. Choosing ELEVIDYS was not easy, but every day I am grateful I did.

Daylee, Alex’s mom

This story is a summary of one person’s experience and does not include all relevant information about ELEVIDYS. Please review the ELEVIDYS Treatment Guide for important information, including eligibility, safety, and monitoring. 

Please see Important Safety Information , full Prescribing Information , including Boxed Warning, and Medication Guide for ELEVIDYS.

01/26 C-GT01-US-0509-V1

ELEVIDYS-Delandistrogene moxeparvovec-rokl
This section is a modal
On
Modal ID
andrew-story
Read about Andrew's journey

Andrew, shown here at age 5

 

Decisions rooted in our story
 

I tried so hard not to cry when my son Andrew was diagnosed with Duchenne. My brother had passed away from Duchenne 22 years earlier, so I knew what Andrew’s future might hold. But then the doctor said something I’ll never forget: “Andrew’s journey will be different than your brother’s. There are treatments that were not available to your brother, and there are clinical trials under way.” Those words gave me hope.

About a year later, my husband and I felt so grateful when our doctor called to tell us that ELEVIDYS had been approved and that Andrew qualified for treatment. 

Duchenne prevents Andrew’s body from making dystrophin, which causes damage to his muscles over time. We understood there were potential risks with ELEVIDYS and talked through them with our doctor. So, after talking about it and praying about it, my husband and I felt it was the right choice for us to have Andrew treated with ELEVIDYS as soon as possible.

On treatment day, I thought of my brother, and I felt so grateful for this medicine.

As I reflect on Andrew’s treatment a year and a half later, I cry tears of happiness when I watch my confident boy going for walks with our family or playing in the playground. He told me recently, “I’m going to be brave and go down the slide!” I love being able to experience that with him. Seeing Andrew’s joy — and remembering my brother — I feel grateful for choosing ELEVIDYS.

Jessica, Andrew's mom

This story is a summary of one person’s experience and does not include all relevant information about ELEVIDYS. Please review the ELEVIDYS Treatment Guide for important information, including eligibility, safety, and monitoring. 

Please see Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, and Medication Guide for ELEVIDYS.

 

01/26 C-GT01-US-0474-V1

ELEVIDYS-Delandistrogene moxeparvovec-rokl
This section is a modal
On

What is ELEVIDYS?

ELEVIDYS is a prescription gene therapy used to treat ambulatory individuals at least 4 years old with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who have a confirmed mutation in the DMD gene.

ELEVIDYS is not recommended for individuals with:

  • Preexisting liver problems or liver infection because of the high risk of rapid serious liver injury and rapid liver failure
  • Recent vaccination (within 4 weeks of ELEVIDYS treatment)
  • Current or recent infections (within 4 weeks of ELEVIDYS treatment)
     

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, and Medication Guide.

Important Safety Information

What is the most important information to know about ELEVIDYS?
Rapid Serious Liver Injury and Rapid Liver Failure

  • ELEVIDYS can increase certain liver lab test levels and cause rapid serious liver injury, rapid liver failure, and death. Patients with preexisting liver problems may be at higher risk.
  • Complication of blood clots in the blood vessel in the abdomen that helps carry blood from the intestines to the liver has happened.
  • Patients will receive oral corticosteroid medication before and after ELEVIDYS infusion and will need weekly blood tests to monitor liver function for 3 months or longer after treatment.
  • For at least 2 months following ELEVIDYS infusion, stay close to a healthcare facility that the doctor recommends.
  • Contact a doctor immediately if the patient’s skin and/or whites of the eyes appear yellowish or if the patient misses a dose of corticosteroid or vomits it up.

Serious Infection

  • Because patients will be taking corticosteroids as part of ELEVIDYS treatment, this may lower the ability of their immune system to fight infections and make it easier to get an infection. Getting an infection (like a cold, flu, stomach flu, ear infection, chest infection) before or after ELEVIDYS infusion could lead to more serious health problems, including death.
  • Contact a doctor right away if you notice any signs of infection, such as coughing, wheezing, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, or fever.
  • Vaccinations should be completed at least 4 weeks before starting the corticosteroids that are part of the ELEVIDYS treatment.
  • ELEVIDYS should not be given to patients with an infection.

Inflammation of the Heart Muscle

  • Serious and life-threatening inflammation of the heart muscle has happened following ELEVIDYS infusion.
  • Patients will need weekly blood tests for a heart protein that can detect damage to the heart muscle cells for the first month after treatment.
  • Contact a doctor right away if the patient begins to experience chest pain and/or trouble breathing or shortness of breath.

Infusion-related Reactions

  • Infusion-related reactions, including hypersensitivity and serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), have happened during and after ELEVIDYS infusion.
  • Contact a doctor right away if you notice: fast heart rate, fast breathing, swollen lips, shortness of breath, nostrils widening, hives, red and blotchy skin, itchy or inflamed lips, rash, vomiting, nausea, chills, and fever.
  • Your doctor will monitor you during and at least 3 hours after ELEVIDYS infusion. If an infusion-related reaction occurs, your doctor may slow or stop the ELEVIDYS infusion and provide additional medical treatment as needed.

Immune Response Affecting Muscles (Immune-mediated Myositis)

  • Immune response affecting muscles, including serious and life-threatening reactions, has happened in patients about 1 month after receiving ELEVIDYS infusion.
  • Contact a doctor immediately if the patient experiences any unexplained increased muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, including trouble swallowing, breathing, or speaking.

Antibodies to ELEVIDYS

  • Patients need to have blood tests to ensure that they do not have antibodies that may prevent them from being able to receive ELEVIDYS. High levels of antibodies may keep the medicine from working as intended.
  • Treatment with ELEVIDYS is not recommended for patients who have high antibodies to the vector, the part of gene therapy used to deliver ELEVIDYS.

You should discuss the potential benefits and risks of ELEVIDYS with your doctor.

Who should not receive ELEVIDYS?
Individuals with a certain type of genetic mutation, called a deletion, involving any portion of or the entire exon 8 and/or exon 9 in the DMD gene, should not receive ELEVIDYS.

Are there any considerations for vaccination schedules and ELEVIDYS?
Patient vaccinations should be up to date with current immunization guidelines. Vaccinations should be completed at least 4 weeks before starting corticosteroids that are part of the ELEVIDYS treatment.

Are there any precautions that need to be considered when handling a patient’s bodily waste?
Vector shedding of ELEVIDYS occurs primarily through body waste. Patients and caregivers should use proper hand hygiene, such as hand washing, when coming into direct contact with patient body waste. Place potentially contaminated materials that may have the patient’s bodily fluids/waste in a sealable bag and dispose into regular trash. Precautions should be followed for 1 month after ELEVIDYS infusion.

What are the most common side effects of ELEVIDYS?
The most common side effects that occurred in patients treated with ELEVIDYS were vomiting, nausea, liver injury, fever, lower number of platelets (a kind of blood cell that helps you stop bleeding), and higher levels of heart protein that can detect damage to muscle cells in the heart. 

The safety information provided here is not comprehensive. Talk to the patient’s doctor about any side effects that bother the patient or that don’t go away. 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Sarepta Therapeutics at 1-888-SAREPTA (1-888-727-3782).

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, and Medication Guide.