Hillcrest Ducky Derby - 2020

 David is an upbeat, kindhearted, 60-year-old man battling a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy. After over 30 years of living independently in a home built by his mother, the house has become in disrepair and requires a new roof and upgrades to make the home more wheelchair accessible. Without adequate help keeping up with the demands of his home, David will soon be forced to move into a home-care facility. Please help David stay in his home and maintain his independence. 

David’s history

David grew up in Ambler and Erdenheim, Pennsylvania and graduated from Antonelli’s in Erdenheim with an Associates Degree and bright future in photography. After experiencing several falls, David was diagnosed with Dystol Myopathy, a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, at the age of 22. A few years later, David’s younger sister Coleen was diagnosed with the same form of the disease. While anyone receiving a devastating diagnosis like this could easily become discouraged, David and Coleen remained two of the happiest and strongest people you’d ever meet. Together, they dedicated their lives to finding a cure for Muscular Dystrophy by undergoing muscle biopsies, participating in experimental treatments and volunteering their time at the Jerry Lewis Telethon each year. As their bodies began to fail them, both Coleen and David were confined to wheelchairs. In 1987, their mother Catherine Murray built a handicapped accessible home where they’d be able to live together and maintain their independence. After Catherine passed away in 2008, David and Coleen did their best to maintain the home without their mother’s help. With the help of family and friends, they lived together until Coleen’s death in 2014. Today, David lives alone with help from home care aides and is struggling to keep up with ongoing expenses of his home.

For more information, please contact Pat Sivel at 215-233-2472. All proceeds raised will go to the David Murray Supplemental Trust.