Giving Fritz the Freedom to Explore: How CC4C Made a Difference by Caitlin Houstoun

Dear CC4C,

Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your financial support in 2025. In 2023, our son, Fritz, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. DMD is a progressive genetic disorder caused by the lack of dystrophin in the body. Without dystrophin, Fritz’s muscles are unable to repair properly resulting in the gradual loss of skeletal, heart and lung muscles.

At the time, Fritz had just turned 3 and his brother was less than 6 months old. In the last two years, we have connected with families in our own community and around the country. We’ve also partnered with an incredible medical team in Massachusetts and found activities in Austin, like equine therapy and acting, that Fritz truly enjoys. Our family was initially connected to CC4C through Dell Children’s shortly after learning of Fritz’s diagnosis. We are incredibly thankful for the support and resources that CC4C provides to families in the Central Texas community. While Fritz’s brother, Lewis, does not have DMD, we have seen the impact that a rare diagnosis can have on a sibling. CC4C provides care and support for the entire family, which is so important.

As Fritz’s condition has progressed, it is challenging for him to walk long distances. We try to preserve his muscles and energy for the times in his day when he really wants to use them. CC4C’s financial assistance funded a power chair for Fritz. This medical device will allow Fritz to travel longer distances and will be something he can use as his condition progresses. This device also provides independence as Fritz can operate it himself. A manual wheelchair would put too much muscle strain on Fritz’s hands, so this power chair is the perfect option for Fritz. Since Fritz got his chair, he has been so excited to show it to friends and family and take it to school, church or different activities. CC4C also provided financial aid for our Fritz’s last clinic visit to UMASS in Worcester, MA. Dr. Wong is world-renowned for her experience of treating DMD, and we feel so fortunate to have her on Fritz’s team.

We are constantly amazed by our son’s resilience. There are so many emerging therapies and treatments in the pipeline, and we continue to pray for a cure for Duchenne. We are thankful to CC4C for not only providing financial support but for giving us hope. It takes a village to navigate through a rare or undiagnosed disease, and we’re blessed to have CC4C in our village!

Much love,

The Houstoun Family (Caitlin, Dillon, Fritz and Lewis)

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