Middlesex Boro Teen Succumbs To Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

MIDDLESEX, NJ — A Middlesex borough teenager passed away last Thursday, July 12 after battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic disease that primarily affects boys and destroys muscle strength.

"In the early hours of July 12, 2018, after a courageous fight with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a light went out in Middlesex. Daniel Paul "Danny" Garofalo, Jr. finally went running and became our guardian angel," his family wrote on Legacy.com.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy, or DMD, is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, and it mostly affects boys. Sadly, approximately 1 in every 3,500 infant boys will be diagnosed with the progressive degenerative disease, which means it gets worse over time. Gradually, boys who have DMD lose their muscle mass and strength, and end up using a wheelchair. The progressive muscle weakness eventually leads to life-threatening heart and lung problems.

Two years ago — in a sheer coincidence — Patch profiled another Middlesex borough boy who has the same condition, Landon Doychak, then 9, and his best friend, Jacob Lyerly. Both boys play Little League in Middlesex and are students at Von E. Mauger Middle School.

Danny Garofalo, Jr. was 16 when he died, his family said.

"While his time on earth was brief, his contagious smile, infectious laugh and addictive personality touched the lives of so many," they wrote. "A true fan of the NY Yankees and Rutgers football, Danny was a permanent fixture at Highpoint Solution Stadium for every Rutgers home game. Danny participated in the annual Coach to Cure Game Day Coin Toss and perhaps, was truly their number one fan."

"His final days here on earth were lived to his own terms. Danny created a bucket list and checked each one off his list as it was accomplished. He embodied the mantra "Make Every Day Count" and in the end, Danny DID Make Every Day Count!"

Danny is survived by his parents Jennifer and Daniel, brothers Timmy and Nico and his trusted four-legged companion KD. He also leaves behind his grandparents; Mary Ellen Jahn and Michael and Donna Garofalo, Aunts and Uncles; Amy and Michael, Tim and Holly, Marcia and Carl and Michael and Christine, cousins Katie and Jack, Michael and Cara, Brianne, Dominick, Carissa, Annalise and many extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 16 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Middlesex Funeral Home, 528 Bound Brook Road in Middlesex. On Tuesday, July 17 everyone is invited to attend the 10:00 a.m. funeral mass at Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish in Middlesex, his family wrote.

In lieu of flowers, Danny's family strongly encourages sending a lasting memorial donation to any of the charities listed below; Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, 401 Hackensack Avenue, 9th Floor, Hackensack, NJ 07601 Attn: Team Danny 2019 (www.parentprojectmd.org/teamdanny2019, Steps Together (www.steps-together.org/donate) or Jack's Kids (www.jackskids.org.)

Photo of Danny Garafalo used with permission from Middlesex Funeral Home.