Operation: Next STep
THE STORY
5000… That’s number of steps the average person takes each day. Of course some people take more or some take less, but when was the last time you stopped and thought about each and every step that you take before it even happens? We typically don’t right? Walking is one of those God given abilities that we learn to do at a very young age and is a part of our everyday life. Take a second and consider what your day would be like if you couldn’t walk or if every step you took was a struggle and you analyzed every step before it even happened. This is a way of life for one dear friend…
Let me introduce you to Jeremy Hoffman. In 2006, Jeremy was diagnosed with a rare muscle disease called Miyoshi Myopathy. Jeremy is a lifelong friend and business partner of the You Can Foundation’s founder Bryan Bohnert and also is one of our board members. Along with his full time career as Deputy Program Manager for General Dynamics Information Technology, one of the largest national defense contractors in the world, he resides in Edmond, Oklahoma and enjoys spending time with his wife Heidi and three beautiful daughters Jami, Hayli and Hannah. Jeremy is a member and attends Life Church and is a near and dear friend to everyone in his community. He has been an extraordinary role model to not only his children, but also to others in the Edmond area.
WHAT IS MIYOSHI MYOPATHY?
Miyoshi Myopathy is a rare genetic muscle disorder that primarily affects muscles starting away from the center of the body, such as those in the legs. During early to mid-adulthood, affected individuals typically begin to experience muscle weakness and deterioration in one or both calves, making it difficult to stand, walk or even tiptoe.
As Miyoshi Myopathy slowly progresses, the muscle weakness and atrophy spread up the leg to the muscles in the thigh and buttock even affecting the diaphragm and heart. Eventually, affected individuals may have difficulty climbing stairs or walking for an extended period of time even breathing.
Doctors are still trying to determine what causes this genetic mutation along with effective treatments.
THE AFFECTS
Over the last ten years Jeremy’s lifestyle has slowly diminished as he loses the use of his legs day by day. From someone who enjoyed taking morning jogs, playing basketball in the drive way with his kids, or even just taking evening walks around the block or in the park hand in hand with his wife. These are things that are no longer possible due to this disease. These days every footstep he takes is a challenge as he’s constantly looking and analyzing his NEXT STEP as he currently has to walk with a cane. The small things such as running, walking, jumping or even stepping on or off of a curb with ease are now daily struggles for him and are distant memories of the way things used to be.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Jeremy has left a lasting impact in many lives in his lifetime and it's time that we rally around him to physical, mentally, and financial support him through this life transition and beyond. We ask that you prayerful and thoughtfully consider donating to support Jeremy in Operation NEXT STEP.
Our goal with Operation NEXT STEP is to purchase and provide Jeremy with an electric mobility wheelchair to support him in that NEXT STEP and taking away that struggle that he deals with on a daily basis. This would allow us to help restore his peace of mind and also a quality of life that has been taken from him because of this disease when it comes to his mobility.
We are working to raise $3,000 dollars to purchase an EZ Lite Cruiser for Jeremy. The cruiser will enable him to live day to day life with more comfort and stability. Every dollar given towards Operation NEXT STEP will be matched by the You Can Foundation 100%.