Jonathan White is already hugely grateful for the support he’s received from the Kootenay community over the years, and now he’s volunteering to make sure other people suffering from muscular dystrophy receive the same treatment.
On Saturday, the 25-year-old will be at the Nelson Safeway accepting donations for muscular dystrophy research as part of the Make Muscles Move campaign. The money will also go towards purchasing mobility equipment and scholarships for youth.
“For me personally, I’m volunteering because I like to raise awareness, and to create funding for a cure someday,” he said. “It’s generally a very positive experience. I’ve received so much support.”
White grew up in New Denver, but recently moved to Nelson. He was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at age three. The disorder eventually put him in a motorized wheelchair.
“There’s no known cure but there’s medications that help your heart. There’s a steroid that keeps your muscles stronger, slows down the progression, keeps your joints mobile.”
White said many people aren’t even clear on what muscular dystrophy is, and this event is a great opportunity to educate them.
“People don’t realize I need assistance throughout the day, getting me up, preparing my dinner. I need a lot of support,” he said.
Jeannine Woolley, fundraising and volunteer coordinator for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, said White is a great volunteer.
“We are so grateful to have the support of amazing volunteers like Jonathan White. Jonathan is a wonderful volunteer. He is always more than happy to help us and he always has a smile on his face,” she said.
White will be greeting people at Safeway from 1 until 4 p.m.
For more information visit muscle.ca.