McCutcheon freshman looks to the future

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Miriam Whitlock has a passion for animals. So, it only made sense we found the McCutcheon freshman at one of her favorite places, watching the ducks at Columbian Park.

"I want to do something with animals, like maybe open a zoo, or studying animals in the wild," Miriam Whitlock said.

Miriam was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy in 2001, after her kindergarten teacher noticed she had trouble walking in a straight line.

Miriam was diagnosed with Frederich's Ataxia.

"We went to the Internet and looked it up, even though that is what the doctor told us not to do. And, it pretty much told us eventually she wouldn't walk, she wouldn't be able to use her hands to write," Steve Whitlock said.

Recent surgery made it even more difficult for her to move. This means she needs a lot of help from her parents and siblings, but that had not stopped this teen from attending events like the MDA Summer Camp.

When it was canceled this year over fears of an H1N1 flu virus outbreak, she was disappointed. Kids with muscular dystrophy already have a weakened immune system, so organizers didn't want to take that risk.

"It's kind of a bummer I didn't get to go, but it was for a good reason," Miriam Whitlock said.

The Whitlock family said they depend on the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Steve Whitlock said he never believed this disease could affect his family.

They hope some day there is a cure. For now, Miriam said any glimmer of hope gets her through the day.