New freedoms have opened up for 14-year-old Doug Penner, following the installation of a stairlift in the 91原创 boy鈥檚 home earlier this month.

Last year, the 10th annual Ride for Doug raised $12,000 towards a lift system, but it took almost a year and much more money to make it a reality, said Doug鈥檚 father Cam Penner.

鈥淒oug is happily moving up and down on his own. It鈥檚 a whole set of freedoms that have been unlocked for him again,鈥� Dad added. 鈥淗e calls it the People Mover in honour of Disney World鈥檚 slowest ride.鈥�

Doug is a Grade 9 student at 91原创 Christian School, who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) at the age of two.

According to Muscular Dystrophy Canada, DMD is an inherited disorder. The muscles become weaker as the patient gets older.

Eleven years ago now, his father started a fundraising run, called Ride For Doug, in honour of his son and to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC).

Through the first decade of this 91原创-based motorcycle cruise, supporters have helped raise in excess of $150,000 for the cause.

At last year鈥檚 ride, organizers threw in an alternate option of giving to help fund Doug鈥檚 lift. They came through, and with the $12,000 raised at the ride, a grant from MDC, and some serious saving, the family was finally able to order the customized lift, which has become so imperative to Doug.

His dad elaborated.

Last year, the week before Ride For Doug, they received word that the medical study Doug was being cancelled. That summer saw his last IV infusion of a drug that his family is convinced was making a difference.

And consequently, this last year Doug has lost the strength to climb the stairs on his own.

While his family continues to battle for drugs to help Doug, the lift has been life changing.

鈥淭hanks to Ride For Doug supporters and a grant from Muscular Dystrophy Canada Doug is now able to go up and down the stairs in his own home. Thank you!鈥� Cam said.

In addition to the fundraising aspect of this annual ride, Doug鈥檚 dad said Ride For Doug has made a massive difference in letting his family know that they are not on this journey on their own.

Now, their family has a lot on the go this year, including the graduation of Doug鈥檚 older sister Sam.

鈥淭he ride will happen 鈥� Doug would kill me if it didn鈥檛,鈥� Cam insisted, but noted some of his normal preparations have fallen by the wayside, including seeking sponsorships.

To find out more about this year鈥檚 ride, how to register for the ride and or the subsequent barbecue, or even how to simply donate to the cause, people can visit .

The ride leaves the South 91原创 Church, 20098 22nd Ave., at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 4. Close to 100 riders are expected to take part.

As well, organizers of the fourth annual Ride for Doug on Vancouver Island are already gearing up for that event.

That event is set for September, and information will be available on the website.