Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Miner Moebel.
Hi Kate, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My connection to Duchenne is deeply personal.
My grandson, Shep, was diagnosed in 2019, and walking this journey alongside him and our family has reshaped how I understand both urgency and hope.
Duchenne is a rare, genetic muscle disease that affects only boys — sometimes inherited, sometimes the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation.
It impacts approximately 1 in 5,000 boys, with an estimated 300,000 affected worldwide and about 15,000 here in the United States.
We are very fortunate in Dallas.
We are home to the first-ever Duchenne-specific clinic in Flower Mound, led by Dr. Diana Castro, where time, access, and compassion are central to how care is delivered.
That local work is strengthened by CureDuchenne, based in Newport Beach, California, and recognized globally as the leader in Duchenne research, patient care, and innovation.
We are also fortunate to have, right in our own backyard, world-renowned researcher Dr. Eric Olson at UT Southwestern Medical Center. As the founding chair of UT Southwestern’s Department of Molecular Biology, Dr. Olson has devoted his career to understanding and correcting the genetic causes of muscle disease.
We are deeply honored that Dr. Olson and his wife, Dr. Laurie Clark Olson, will serve as Chairs for our event this year, Thursday, October, 1.
Over the last 4 years, our Dallas community has raised more than $400,000 to support Duchenne research and care, and we are incredibly excited about the upcoming Dallas evening – not only because of what we hope to raise, but because this moment in science, advocacy, and community gives families like ours real reason to believe that progress toward a cure is within reach.
And do we need that cure… I am watching my daughter and son-in-law live with perpetual grief, never knowing what tomorrow may bring. For my family, and 300,000 other families we have to remain urgent, hopeful, and committed.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
From a fundraising angle, dealing with a rare disease is very difficult. We don’t have a ribbon to wear, or a massive marathon, or a movie star/sports hero backing
us (If you know any mega stars, please send them, my way!)
Duchenne muscular dystrophy isn’t popular, sexy or devastating to masses, and with so many worthy causes for us to give ourselves and our resources to – Duchenne just gets over looked. Because of this, I see my job primarily as an awareness creator.
When people understand that there are a magnitude of reasons to be hopeful, with regard to making Duchenne a life-manageable disease, they get excited and want to be in on momentum that is building!
So whatever obstacles and challenges there have been, and for the challenges that remain, I won’t be discouraged.
Actually, now that you’re making me think about ‘obstacles’, I have to say – I don’t see any. Just challenges –
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have spent my adult life making music. I have made 7 records.
When Shep was diagnosed in 2019, followed shortly by Covid, my band (The Kate Miner Orchestra) and I started holding concerts in my backyard. In 3 years we raised around $40k – I am eternally grateful to the guys for their brand of generosity!
From 2010 – 2021 I was the music director at Munger Place Church in East Dallas. That was a very rich time.
What do I specialize in? Grandma’ing to 12 beauties.
What’s next?
THE FUTURE! So many possibilities –
I believe with my whole heart that the next 5 years are going to be monumental for 300,000 Duchenne boys. My plan – KEEP PREACHING!
I would like to say NO to big changes, thank you. I’m ready for some predictable steps that lead me to a chair on the beach.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cureduchenne.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateminerorchestra/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kate.miner.music/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-miner-moebel-122b9039a/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=kate+miner+come+to+the+water
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2W2TSzn0ufRY5CxDdM0hu9
