#United States #Rockwall #Duchenne #PPMD #Sam's Night

Celebrating Two Decades of Hope: Sam's Night

On October 16, 2025, the Killian family of Rockwall, Texas, hosted the 20th annual Sam's Night, a fundraising event with a profound purpose. This milestone event, benefiting the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), stands as a testament to community resilience and collective hope. Over the last two decades, Sam's Night has grown significantly, raising an impressive total of over $10 million to support research, care advancements, and the development of new therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

What started two decades ago as Sam’s Family Fun Day has transformed into a premier community event, attracting supporters from various backgrounds. At this year's celebration, held at the Victory Social venue, attendees reveled in a memorable evening that matched last year’s record of $1.5 million raised. This achievement highlights the commitment of the Duchenne community in its ongoing battle against this devastating disease.

Pat Furlong, the Founding President of PPMD, expressed her heartfelt admiration for the effort put forth to create positive change. “Sam’s Night is a testament to what families can achieve when they come together with determination and love,” she stated. “Two decades ago, families faced bleak prospects with little hope. Today, thanks to relentless research and the tireless commitment of families like the Killians, many young adults with Duchenne are thriving.”

The heartwarming evolution of Sam's Night mirrors the journey of its namesake, Sam Killian. Reflecting on the event, Sam shared, “Growing up with Duchenne has had many challenges, but Sam's Night has always served as a reminder that we are not alone. Our journey from a simple day of fun to an elegant evening filled with purpose signifies the strength of our community.” This progression embodies the determination to change what it means to live with Duchenne, turning challenges into triumphs and fostering hope.

This year’s event also honored the contributions of numerous sponsors, including major names such as Altus Group, Wells Fargo, and Ernst & Young, who play an essential role in supporting initiatives aimed at advancing Duchenne research and patient care. It is through sponsorships like these that PPMD can continue advocating for optimal care standards and ensure access to cutting-edge treatments.

The urgency of this mission cannot be understated, as Duchenne is a genetic disorder that progressively diminishes muscle strength, leading to severe challenges for those affected. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy fights on all fronts to end Duchenne through rigorous advocacy efforts, education, and collaboration with experts to enhance the lives of patients. Their dedication has led to the approval of multiple treatments and significant funding for research.

Sam's Night encapsulates a broader community effort to provide a voice for those battling Duchenne. The successes of the event reflect how love, commitment, and collaboration can bring hope and real change in the lives of individuals affected by this challenging disorder. Beyond merely a fundraiser, Sam's Night serves as a beacon of light for families navigating the uncertain waters of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

As the evening drew to a close, the Killian family and supporters left inspired by the knowledge that their efforts will help ensure that future generations find new treatments and eventually a cure. In the words of the Killian family, “We're not done fighting. With every dollar raised, we ensure that children today can live longer and fuller lives.”

Contribute to the Cause

If you would like to support the ongoing fight against Duchenne and contribute to initiatives like Sam's Night, visit SamsNight.org.

Together, we can continue to make strides toward a brighter future for those living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.