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15-year-old Sandy resident with Duchenne praises NeuroWorks therapy, says he received mayor's Trailblazer Award
Summary
Damien Benache, 15, spoke during public comment at a Sandy City meeting about living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the benefits of long-term therapy at NeuroWorks and adaptive recreation; he said he received the mayor's Trailblazer Award.
Damien Benache, a 15-year-old Sandy City resident, described living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and credited long-term therapy at NeuroWorks with helping him stay active and try adaptive recreation during public comment at a Sandy City meeting.
Benache said the progressive muscle condition has gradually reduced his mobility: “I was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. So, basically, what it is is my muscles get weaker over time. Once I lose movement, I can't really get it back.”
He told the meeting that therapy at NeuroWorks, which he said he has attended for “10 or 11 years, I think,” helps maintain his endurance and allows him to continue activities he enjoys, including fishing, camping and skiing. “I feel so free when you're just gliding on the snow,” Benache said. He also described how aquatic therapy preserves some walking ability: “In the pool, I'm still able to walk. The water just makes it a lot easier.”
Benache described equipment and program features that expand his access to outdoor activities, including a tracked wheelchair that he said helps him reach lakes and travel on unmarked trails, and adaptive offerings such as fencing, water skiing and assisted skydiving. He said therapists and staff bring new patients to see him at sessions so they can see what is possible: “They always bring the new patients in to me, and they'll come, like, see me smile and having a good time. So I think that helps them see that it's gonna be okay.”
He also said COVID-19 closures reduced some of his mobility when therapy services were interrupted, but that returning to sessions helped restore function and morale. Benache concluded by noting recognition he received from city leaders: “I was happy to get this award. That just was way cool. I never thought anything like that would ever happen... My name is Damien Benache, and I received the mayor's trailblazer award for Sandy City.”
The comments combined personal experience of living with a progressive neuromuscular condition, descriptions of specific adaptive equipment and recreation options, and an expression of gratitude for local recognition and support from NeuroWorks staff.
