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Tigers' Rick Porcello To Match Donations To The 'Strike Out Duchenne' Campaign

DETROIT (WWJ) - Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Rick Porcello is used to striking out opposing batters, but now he's teaming up with "Team Joseph" to help strike out a deadly disease.

Porcello is helping to raise money for medical research to find a treatment or cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which mainly affects young boys.

"With the opportunity that I've been given as a processional athlete, I just feel like it really is the least thing we can do to give some of our time and energy to these causes," Porcello said. "You know, something like Muscular Dystrophy Duchenne that's really not a well-known disease, to at least create some awareness to put it out there for people to see what's going on."

Porcello has agreed to match each dollar donated up to $20,000 to the "Strike Out Duchenne" campaign.

"No one should ever take the physical abilities they are blessed with for granted," said Porcello. "These boys who never let Duchenne define them are my inspiration to always be my best, both on and off the field. It's an honor to do my part to help find a treatment for such a devastating disease."

The top five fundraisers receive two tickets to a Tigers game, including the chance to take part in an on-field check presentation with Porcello at Comerica Park.

"The dedication Rick has shown to support our cause is incredible and heartwarming," said Marissa Penrod, Team Joseph founder and CEO. "Whether in baseball or in defeating Duchenne, it takes a team to achieve our goals. I have more real hope that we can help this generation of children battling Duchenne, including my own Joseph, because of the continuing, unwavering support of such an amazing person as Rick."

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rapidly progressing degenerative genetic muscle disorder, primarily affecting young boys, which causes loss of muscle mobility and function. Ninety-nine percent of the almost 20,000 new cases each year are boys; meaning 1 boy out of every 3,500 will be diagnosed. There currently is no treatment or cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Donate now or learn more at this link.

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