Grade 6 student Walker Vis is trooper. He’s been an important part of Bulkley Valley Christian School since he began kindergarten here. In many ways, he fits right in and is hardly noticeable for his differences: he comes to class, plays, and participates like other students. But despite how normal he often appears, he also stands out for his weakness. His weakness is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): a condition that affects his muscle strength and growth. But despite the difficulties, it’s a condition that also brings out his strengths. He’s strong, determined and full of life.
Most of us have only a remote idea of what “Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy” is. We know it affects a person’s muscles, mobility and growth. But unless we live with the condition ourselves or know someone who does, most of us don’t have much knowledge about it. And without knowledge, we’re often scared to ask, for fear of asking a “dumb” or insensitive question.
This is true of most of us, and it was true of Walker’s grade 6 classmates, too. They’ve noticed that Walker can’t do everything that they do, but they didn’t understand why. What better way to learn than to have Walker’s older sister (grade 9) come to class and talk about it.
Amya came to the grade 6 class and gave an excellent presentation about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and how it affects Walker. We are glad to have the permission of Walkers’ parents to share the presentation with you, our school community.
Watch the video here (8 mins, Youtube)
