Public school students here walked around their school on April 29 in support of classmate Jamie Waugh.
He suffers from muscular dystrophy.
The school raised just over $700 this year, and that total was matched by Scotiabank.
Then on Sunday, Jamie and his family took part in the Jesse’s Journey annual walk at Springbank Park in London.
They joined hundreds of other people in a 33km walk to raise funds for Jesse’s Journey.
He suffered from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but fought the disease for a long time before his untimely death from it. His parents started Jesse’s Journey in his honour to raise funds to fight the disease.
Elora Public School students have for many years held a walk at school a few days prior to the London walk. This year, they raised $700 and that was enhanced by Scotiabank, for a total donation of $1,327, according to Jamie Waugh’s step dad, Larry Van Wyck.
He said on Monday the weather was poor in London this year, but hundreds turned out. Organizers have stated they have made over $60,000 from this year’s walk, but the final tally has not yet been completed.
Those who suffer from Duchenne muscular dystrophy seldom reach the age of 30. The disease takes its toll as muscles grow weaker until eventually the respiratory system is compromised. It affects boys almost exclusively.
There are 25,000 boys in North America like Jamie Waugh. Research is where hope resides for kids like him. Workers and parents are hoping to find a cure.
Anyone who wants to help can visit www.jessesjourney.com, find Jamie Waugh’s, Donna Van Wyck’s and Larry Van Wyck’s name, and follow the prompts to help fund research.
Donors are asked to send an e-mail to Larry and Donna Van Wyck at ldj@cogeco.ca and let them know. Anyone with any difficulty making a pledge on line, can call Jesse’s Journey at 519-645-8855.
