Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY AWARENESS

Lloyd George Elementary ‘superheroes’ walk for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy awareness

May 26, 2022 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — It was an eventful morning for a downtown Kamloops neighbourhood on Thursday (May 26). Students at Lloyd George Elementary School paraded down the street in a Superhero Walk for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy — led by Jude Mitton.

“It was fun being at the front,” Mitton told CFJC Today.

Jude is a Grade 4 student at the school who has Duchenne’s, a rare disorder that leads to the progressive loss of muscle. It’s a difficult situation to navigate, but his family says the school walk is a bright spot.

“Oh, I just bawled,” says Jude’s mother Kasha Mitton. “It was just overwhelming when they’re all chanting and Jude is in front with his scooter. I mean, this is what community is all about.”

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“He’s been going to Lloyd George since Kindergarten and he’s grown up with all these kids, so you really feel the love,” adds dad Jeff, “So yeah, it’s good.”

The students came out to boost awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, but ultimately, they’re supporting their friend. Jude led the school down the sidewalk to his house and back, with plenty of cheering and costumes.

“I designed it with my parents the other night,” Mitton explains while showing his hero’s uniform.

And why superheroes? The reason is one that any other Grade 4 student would have, and it’s simple.

“Because I really like watching superhero movies and I really like superheroes.”

Last year the school hosted a similarly-themed event, as staff wanted to complement the Mitton family’s own efforts to spread awareness.

“I thought, well why aren’t we walking at the school?” says Anik Hansen. “And so Jenn and I thought well let’s start up a walk and let’s get some awareness to this. And Jude likes to dress up and he’s such a superhero every day.”

Having a student with diverse needs has made the entire school learn more about how to make sure everyone is included, using accessible activities.

“Everyone was learning about it and now the whole school is involved. They understand why Jude is on a scooter, and why he’s doing something differently,” explains Jenna Simpson, “and then when we take away the obstacles for one, it actually opens up the quality for all.”

Duchenne’s is a rare disorder, but having a school full of superheroes walking behind Jude means they’re not walking this path alone.

“He might be the only boy in Kamloops, but that feeling of not being isolated or alone means so much,” says Kasha.

For those wanting to show further support and help spread awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, there is also a community walk on May 29, hosted by the Mitton family at McArthur Island Park in Kamloops.