Meet Gabe, a 17-year-old ambassador living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, laying out what hope looks like when it’s tied to real science and real community. We sit down for a rapid-fire, honest conversation about the HOPE-3 clinical trial, the daily realities of muscle loss and heart health, and the surprising places strength shows up—like a firefighter’s boot filled with donations that fund research and send kids to camp.

Gabe doesn’t just want to share a story; he wants to build a platform. His dream is to start a podcast focused on firefighters, service, and the people who show up when it matters. Along the way, we trade our own experiences with losing the ability to walk and the mental toughness it demands, keeping the conversation grounded in dignity, humor, and momentum.

The episode brings together advocacy, clinical research, and the power of community action, with shoutouts to Fill the Boot and the many firefighters who make a tangible difference. Expect practical insights on navigating trials like HOPE-3, a candid look at perseverance, and a reminder that joy—yes, even in sneaker talk—belongs in every fight. If stories like Gabe’s move you, help us amplify them: subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a boost, and leave a review to support more conversations that turn courage into action.