MEDFORD, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 3, 2025--
On April 25, Joe Jackson and a dedicated crew of men including Jeremy Leever and Shaun Olson will embark on an extraordinary nonstop, overnight rowing journey covering 157 miles of the Rogue River to raise awareness and critical funds for his son, William Jackson, who is battling Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
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What typically takes 10 days, Joe and his crew will complete in a single, grueling push, symbolizing the urgency of finding a cure for this relentless disease. The Rogue River is one of the nation’s most famous whitewater.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive, life-limiting genetic disorder that causes muscle degeneration and weakness. To save William and other boys like him, the Jackson family is urgently working to raise $2.2 million to complete development of a CRISPR-based gene therapy. This drug development effort is spearheaded by Cure Rare Disease, a nonprofit biotech pioneering genetic treatment for ultra-rare diseases.
Their first crucial milestone is $800,000 by May 1, a goal they can reach if all 157 miles of this journey are sponsored.
“This is a race against time,” said Joe Jackson. “Rowing 157 miles straight is nothing compared to what William faces every day. We’re doing this to give him and other boys like him a real chance at life.”
How to Get Involved: WeRowForWilliam.org
Every dollar raised will directly fund the development of a first-of-its-kind CRISPR-based gene therapy for William and others fighting Duchenne.
To sponsor a mile, donate, or learn more, visit WeRowForWilliam.org/raiselysite.com or contact Brittany Stineman at Brittany@curerd.org.
About Cure Rare Disease
The mission of Cure Rare Disease is to develop and fund life-saving genetic therapies for ultra-rare diseases, transforming the lives of patients previously deemed untreatable. By fostering strategic collaborations among top researchers, clinicians, policy experts, and donors, Cure Rare Disease brings hope and advances solutions for those awaiting a cure.
We Row For William: 157 Miles, One Nonstop Journey of Hope
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Luka Doncic scored 30 points and the Los Angeles Lakers routed the league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder 126-99 on Sunday.
Austin Reaves scored 20 points and LeBron James added 19 points and seven assists for the Lakers, who have won four of five.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 26 points and Jalen Williams added 16 for the Thunder.
Oklahoma City remained two games ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the race for the league's best record with five games to play. But instead of closing in on the top seed and homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs, the Thunder lost consecutive games for just the second time this season.
The teams will meet again Tuesday in Oklahoma City.
The Lakers led 42-32 after one quarter.
Doncic drove to the hoop before firing a two-handed pass behind his head to an open Gabe Vincent, who drained the 3-pointer to give the Lakers a 64-42 lead. The Lakers led 78-56 at halftime after making a franchise record 15 3-pointers in the first half. It was the most points Oklahoma City has given up in any half this season. Doncic led the way with 22 points and hit five 3-pointers, with most being well contested.
Doncic was fouled as he made a circus layup and the free throw pushed the Lakers’ lead to 93-67 in the third. The Lakers led 103-77 at the end of the period.
James' son, Bronny, hit a 3-pointer for the Lakers in the final minute to close out the scoring.
Lakers: Los Angeles showed the peak of its capability in perhaps the best piece of evidence that things are working with James and Doncic together.
Thunder: The Lakers' spectacular individual shotmaking rendered Oklahoma City’s team defensive strategy useless.
James got a steal and breakaway dunk in the fourth quarter to make it 107-83.
The Thunder scored fewer than 100 points for the first time since Nov. 15.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) looks to shoot over Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks for an outlet against Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, looks to score in front of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso, center, and forward Chet Holmgren (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks to pass the ball away from Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, left, dribbles away from Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks to shoot over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
