Credit Union Team Climbs Mountain to Raise Funds for Muscular Dystrophy

Riverside, Calif. A team of Altura Credit Union employees, along with their friends and families, recently climbed Mt. Rubidoux in Riverside as part of a national event called "Climb to Cure Duchenne."� The 48-members of "Team Altura: Carters Climbers" raised just over $3,000 to fight Duchenne, a rare and lethal form of Muscular Dystrophy.

The team was led by Rhiannon Ramkissoon who works in the Loan Servicing Department at Alturas Operations and Technology Center.� This event is personal for Ramkissoon her 9-year-old son, Carter, was diagnosed with the disease when he was just 3.� Like most people who receive this devastating diagnosis for their child, they had never heard of Duchenne. "This event helps fund the research that we hope will have a positive impact on the life of my son, and all the other children with Duchenne," Ramkissoon said. In its third year, this local climb is a family-friendly 5-mile hike that is wheelchair and stroller accessible. �In addition to pledges for hikers, Ramkissoon also organized a bake and refreshment sale on site the day of the climb. According to the non-profit organization Cure Duchenne, the disease impacts boys most often. They are usually diagnosed by the age of 5, in a wheelchair by 12 and most dont survive their mid-20s. The funds from this event support research projects aimed at treating and curing Duchenne. �As part of the annual Climb to Cure event, people across the country climbed a mountain, hill or tall building to increase awareness and raise funds.� To learn more about Duchenne muscular dystrophy, visit Cure Duchenne. Photo:� Members of "Team Altura: Carters Climbers" pose at the top of Riversides Mt. Rubidoux after reaching the peak in their "Climb to Cure Duchenne," which is a rare and lethal form of Muscular Dystrophy. The team was led by Altura staffer Rhiannon Ramkissoon, whose 9-year-old son was diagnosed with Duchenne when he was 3.� The team raised more than $3,000.