NJ twins battling MD gain support from community

BERLIN, N.J. (WPVI) -- A South Jersey community is coming together to raise awareness and donations to fight muscular dystrophy.

It's a group of diseases that affects more than 50,000 Americans including two eighth-graders in Berlin, New Jersey.

There are many different types of Muscular Dystrophy.

These symptoms can be mild or severe. It's a progressive disease and there is no cure.

Having support is vital and two local teenagers have a whole community supporting them.

14-year-old Jessica Bonamassa plays the piano while her twin sister Julia draws in the kitchen.

The teenagers look alike although they say there's a lot of differences between them.

But one thing they share is their daily struggle, battling a form of muscular dystrophy, or MD.

The twins were born healthy - they danced, played and loved sports.

"I was a fast runner. We would race in the backyard and it was just fun," said Jessica.

Their parents say that changed about four years ago, first with Julia when she started having trouble running.

"Then eventually it turned into just collapsing, she would collapse as she was walking," said their mother, Michelle Bonamassa.

Eight months later, Jessica had similar symptoms.

MD is a group of hereditary diseases which causes progressive muscle weakness.

The twins now need a scooter to get around.

"When you start to lose your physical abilities, it changes you," said Jessica.

Jessica and Julia draw strength from their friends, their big sister Natalie and their parents.

"You have to be strong, nothing is going to take this away so you have to deal with what's in front of you," said their father Sal Bonamassa.

The family can also count on their community.

Berlin Community School has helped organize a walk to raise donations for MD research.

The effort brings a good feeling for Julia.

"Very good, knowing how many people care," she said.

"We're so happy we're here. Everyone has been phenomenal," said mom Michelle.

The walk is Sunday, March 22 in Berlin, New Jersey.

It's a precursor to a larger walk in King of Prussia the following weekend.

Proceeds go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

For more information on MD: http://mda.org/disease/fsh-muscular-dystrophy/overview

To donate to help Jessica and Julia: http://www.gofundme.com/julia-amp-jessica