Doug Penner is thumbing his nose at illness.

The eight-year-old, who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at the age of three, is revving up for the annual Ride for Doug, a charity motorcycle event which raises money and awareness for the disease.

Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder which causes muscles in the body to gradually decline and weaken. People with DMD are unable to manufacture dystrophin, a protein that shapes muscles and keeps them functioning properly.  Over time, people with the disorder may lose the ability to walk, speak and ultimately breathe. For some the disorder is fatal. There is presently no known cure or effective treatments.

In a DMD patient like Doug, symptoms begin early, often by age three or four. By the age of 10, many children with DMD are unable to walk without leg braces, and by the age of 12, most are confined to a wheelchair.

Doug recently completed a day-long assessment at B.C. Children鈥檚 Hospital which showed some improvement in his benchmark scores, said his father, Cam.

Given the diagnosis of the disease, 鈥渉e is doing spectacularly well,鈥� he added.

Doug will be the star of the Sunday, June 5 ride which, despite the cold, wet weather, attracted 55 bikers last year. The year before, 75 came out for the ride. The four-year total stands at more than $30,000, Cam Penner said.

Ride for Doug is much more than just an afternoon ride.

鈥淚t is an occasion where bikers from all walks of life gather together in support of a common cause,鈥� he said.

鈥淩iders bring pledges and donations collected from friends and family, and then spend time watching the parade of bikes arrive. My son  Doug is right in the midst of it all. He is out there meeting and greeting each new arrival. Ride For Doug is all about this connection. By the time we leave the lot for our 300 km afternoon ride, each and every rider knows someone with Muscular Dystrophy.鈥�

It is no longer a faceless disease to them because an eight-year-old puts a personal touch on it.

The ride ends with a barbecue which gives Penner, his wife Allison and their daughter Samantha, 11, the opportunity to share just how much the contributions of the bikers and supporters mean to them.

鈥淚t is a time where community is built. Social status, motorcycle brand loyalty, and other social barriers are broken down, and people meet each other in an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie,鈥� Penner said.

All funds raised go directly to Muscular Dystrophy Canada where they are used to provide comfort, support, and hope to children, teens and adults affected by the devastating disorder.  Ride for Doug was launched in 2007 with 17 bikes and raised just over $2,100.  To register or make a pledge, go to  www.RideForDoug.com, or email Penner at info@ridefordoug.com.