Over the next few weeks, when you walk into a Lowes store nationwide, you’ll be greeted by the smiling face of Spencer who is the face of their Jeans for Genes partnership which has raised more than $2.5 m for research.

For every pair of jeans bought from July 9 to September 10, Lowes will donate $10 to Children’s Medical Research Institute. Their support of our research has seen them raise more than $2.5m since 1998.

Lowes CEO Linda Penn says that the act of giving is embedded in their mantra.

“The Lowes team love being a part of Jeans for Genes. We share the stories of children like Spencer, who live with genetic conditions, so our team can really see the impact of what they are doing when they encourage people to donate. We aren’t just supporting the vital work being done at Children’s Medical Research Institute – we really are changing lives.’’

The face of Lowes and Jeans for Genes partnership this year is Spencer who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It is progressive condition which impacts his muscles and lead to a shortened life expectancy.

His dad Tristram said his family became involved in Jeans for Genes as part of Spencer’s legacy.

“Jeans for Genes is incredibly important because research funding isn't always guaranteed. It's important that the community are well educated on what it takes to conduct that research because any kind of delay in a breakthrough will be the breaking point between having a very high quality of life and a substandard quality of life for various genetic conditions.

“I think that progression has only really happened though because of organisations like Children’s Medical Research Institute. Without those organisations, I don't know how far back we would be in the research.’’