On Sunday, September 7th, the Foundation for Neuromuscular Support Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark Duchenne Awareness Day 2025 by hosting a live webinar. This year’s theme focused on an often-overlooked reality—family members as caregivers. It highlighted both the challenges and the strength that come with supporting loved ones and family members who are living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
We were privileged to have two insightful speakers who spoke from two different but complementary angles:
1. Dr. Akhere Akran – prioritizing self care and avoiding burnout in caregivers
Dr. Akran reminded us that caregiving is love in action, but it is also a heavy responsibility. She shed light on the sacrifices caregivers make, sometimes at the expense of their own health, finances, and emotional wellness.
She emphasized that self-care is not selfish, but essential because it helps to prevent burnout, while also reminding caregivers that “you cannot pour from an empty cup.” Practical tips such as setting boundaries, resting without guilt, and seeking help when needed were highlighted.
Dr. Akran also shared the 6Cs of Caregiving—Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment as guiding principles for better caregiving.
2. Mr. Dare Joseph Akinfosile – Staying Safe While You Care
Mr. Akinfosile took us through the health and safety side of caregiving. He explained the physical, environmental, and psychological risks caregivers often face, from back strain and fatigue to social isolation and financial stress, because caregivers’ mental health and wellbeing matter as well.
More importantly, he offered practical preventive measures for staying safe while you care:
Safe lifting and transfer techniques to avoid injury.
Maintaining proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep.
Creating safer home environments with ramps, grab bars, and better ventilation.
Building emotional resilience through support groups, counseling, and open communication.
He left us with a powerful reminder: “Caring for the caregiver is not optional, it is essential. When caregivers are safe, strong, and supported, those they care for thrive.”
Key Takeaways
The session was more than a discussion-it was also a call to action. Both speakers made it clear that family and friends as caregivers are the backbone of care for people with Duchenne. They are the reason people with Duchenne have a less stressful and more enjoyable life. Supporting them means creating better outcomes for warriors and healthier communities overall.
As participants, we left with a renewed understanding that caregiving should not come at the cost of one’s wellness. Families, communities, and health systems must work together to ensure caregivers are safe, supported, and appreciated as they should be.
Closing Thoughts
Duchenne Awareness Day 2025 was a reminder that awareness is not just about the condition itself but also about those who walk the journey alongside their loved ones. This year’s conversations planted seeds of empathy, strength, and commitment to continue advocating for better support systems for caregivers, to make it easier for them to live and care for their special-needs family members and friends.
Every caregiver deserves care too. Take a moment to thank one today, and let’s keep building a community of support. And if you are one, here are your flowers—you’re doing amazingly well. Take a moment to thank yourself, too.
Together, let’s keep building a community where both patients and caregivers can thrive.
Did this resonate with you? Share it with someone who might need it.
By: Oluwadamilola Olasehinde.
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