Jude Myers is a typical 4-year-old boy in many ways: He loves farm life and playing with his toys and John Deere ride-along tractor; however, Myers suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which is a serious syndrome that is affecting his muscle strength.

Though for now he is able to play like kids his age do, the rare genetic illness could hurt his ability to perform even simple tasks in the future. His mother, Amber Myers, told the Green County Daily World that Jude "looks like a normal 4-year-old," but noted that "he can't run and jump like a normal 4-year-old."

Though his parents were shocked at his diagnosis - given by doctors during the holiday season - they assert that their son's resilience is astounding. The rare disease strikes only 1 in every 4,000 children in the U.S., and while the prognosis is not encouraging, his parents say that he continues to live a happy life on their farm, playing with John Deere farm equipment like he always has.

In an effort to raise money to fight the disease, his parents have organized the first annual MDA Central Indiana Muscle Run on March 26 at the Carmel High School Fieldhouse. Those who wish to donate to the cause can check out the family's website and sign up. The web address is: https://www.joinmda.org/indymusclewalk2011/TeamJude.