Give hope, find the cure.
Philanthropy
At Ocean Transport, our commitment to philanthropy is deeply personal and unwavering. Our founder's son, Justin, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a progressive neuromuscular disease that affects approximately 1 in 5,000 male births. This life-altering diagnosis ignited a relentless pursuit to support research and initiatives aimed at finding a cure for DMD, not only for Justin but for all children and families impacted by this devastating condition.
A Fortuitous Encounter with Dr. Jerry R. Mendell
In a serendipitous moment at the hospital, Justin's path crossed with Dr. Jerry R. Mendell, a pioneering neurologist renowned for his groundbreaking work in gene therapy for neuromuscular diseases. Dr. Mendell has dedicated over five decades to researching treatments for DMD, leading to significant advancements in the field.
During a routine visit, Dr. Mendell noticed a group of nurses gathered around Justin's bed, captivated by his wit and charisma. Intrigued, Dr. Mendell approached and was immediately struck by Justin's spirit. When Justin inquired if Dr. Mendell knew what he had, the doctor responded affirmatively, to which Justin replied, "did you find the cure?" The doctor said “not yet.” Justin then said: “you need to go back to school and study harder to find it.” Despite having reached the study's participant limit, Dr. Mendell was moved to include Justin in his research, providing him access to experimental treatments that have since contributed to slowing the progression of his DMD.
Supporting Groundbreaking Research and Treatment
Ocean Transport's philanthropic efforts are centered on supporting organizations and research initiatives dedicated to combating DMD and other genetic diseases. We are proud to contribute to the work of institutions like Nationwide Children's Hospital, where Dr. Mendell serves as a senior advisor in the Center for Gene Therapy.
In June 2023, Dr. Mendell’s decades of research culminated in a historic milestone when the FDA granted accelerated approval to SRP-9001/ELEVIDYS, a gene therapy developed at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital. This therapy represents a beacon of hope for patients with DMD, offering new possibilities for managing this debilitating disease. These breakthroughs reflect Dr. Mendell’s lifetime dedication to advancing gene therapy, which has also led to the development of Zolgensma®, approved in 2019 for spinal muscular atrophy, and his election to the National Academy of Medicine in 2021.
Ocean Transport is honored to support such transformative research, which has the power to change the lives of countless families like our founder's. Through continued funding and advocacy, we remain committed to fostering innovation and hope in the fight against DMD.
A Personal Commitment to a Global Cause
Our founder's personal journey with Justin has transformed Ocean Transport's philanthropic mission into a heartfelt endeavor to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families facing DMD. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the medical community's efforts to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by this challenging disease.
Through our continued support and collaboration with leading researchers and organizations, we strive to be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
