Caring Causes - Two Brothers in Brooklyn with Muscular Dystrophy Hope to Raise Awareness and Find a Cure

 Vincent Gagliano, a 12-year-old sixth-grade student at St. Bernadette Catholic Academy in Brooklyn is nicknamed “Two Cents” because he always puts his two cents in about everything, according to his mother. “He is always the first one to laugh out loud. He likes cooking, sports, following YouTubers, traveling and of course, he is a foodie.” 

But like his older brother Carmine (16), Gagliano was dealt the heartbreaking diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMC), a rare and devastating muscle disease that causes muscles to weaken over time, eventually affecting the entire body. Most boys with DMD do not survive beyond their late twenties, and those who do will be using a wheelchair by age 12. 

Carmine and Vincent were diagnosed with the disease in 2016. Parents Jay and Cara Gagliano noticed that Carmine, then 7, was having trouble keeping up with his peers. Friends and family also inquired about the size of Carmine’s calves, which were noticeably larger than other children his age.

Jay and Cara took Carmine to the doctor for tests, and the family was informed that Carmine’s exceptionally high CPK levels (creatine phosphokinase – an enzyme found primarily in muscle cells) was indicative of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. They were given a second dose of terrible news when doctors told them that Vincent, then 3, was also likely to have the same disease.

The family also has an older son Jayson, 18, who has not been personally impacted by DMD. Despite the challenges, Vincent and Carmine remain positive and engaged in their interests and the whole family is working to raise awareness for DMD and ultimately find a cure. 

The family has met many dedicated doctors, supportive parents, and organizations focused on finding a cure for DMD. They have also received immense support from friends, family, and the boys' schools and teachers.

“We have been blessed with the team at St. Bernadette. They are and have been a God send to our family,” says the boys’ mother. “We are determined to give our boys the best life possible and enjoy every minute together. We need to find a cure for this cruel disease. Without a cure, the boys' hearts and lungs will eventually fail. They deserve a chance, and we can make a difference by funding research and clinical trials that could potentially save their lives or at least give them more time with us.” 

The family is calling on the community for support. "We need your help, not only for our boys but for the many other families and boys affected by this disease. Our main goal is to raise awareness and ultimately help find a cure.”