Fundraiser to reunite siblings, fight against muscular dystrophy

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — “Fundraiser for Maverick” has been set up to reunite siblings in a race against time. Maverick’s Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), condition is progressively declining, has no cure, and doctors are saying he may only have one or two years left to live.

Katie Wilson, a local advocate who lives with Muscular Dystrophy, and his older sister, Starra Prettyman, are teaming up to host a fundraiser for a special cause.

“For Maverick, he recently had a decline in his health to where he started to use a power chair full time and his family, his mom and stepdad, you know, they’re helping him with the manual lift to get them out of the, wheelchair, into the bed, into the shower and all that,” says Wilson.

The fundraiser’s goal is to raise enough money for a new power lift and anything else the family may need during this difficult time.

“His muscles have gotten so much weaker now that he’s not able to stay at, like, hold his weight to walk around. And so, he’s using the power chair for that. And, and I think he’s also having problems with his heart, which people don’t realize at first either,” says Wilson.

Wilson says, Maverick’s has gone through more than most people could imagine—last summer, he lost the use of his legs and had a terrifying brush with heart failure.

Starra held a fundraiser last year for Maverick, but unfortunately, she did not raise enough funds to see her brother in Tennessee. Wilson shared her experience with muscular dystrophy and fundraising, prompting them to team up for the event.

The fundraiser event will be held on Saturday, June 28th, from noon to 9 p.m. at The Seventh Tap Brewing Project in Shreveport. It will feature local vendors, raffles, music, and more.

The event features a raffle to win three $150 gift cards to ‘All Dolly’d Up Esthetic LLC,’ an esthetician that offers facials (from cleanses, chemical peels, hot stone facial massages) and other services.

“If you’re able to donate, even just a little, it would mean the world. And if you can’t give, please share. Let’s help this family have what matters most right now: time, love, and a little peace,” says Wilson.

She recommends connecting with the Muscular Dystrophy Association for resources and support for individuals living with muscular dystrophy.