Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2007-09-12, Page 17Hunterpouglasi Wednesday, September 12, 2007 Times -Advocate 7 Davidson makes stop at Exeter Villa Journey continues — John Davidson of Jesse's Journey visited the ExeterVilla last week, talking about Duchenne muscular dystrophy and efforts to raise money for research. Last springVilla residents raised $1,000 for Jesse's Journey.Among those who partici- pated was Dorothy Pfaff, seen above with Davidson, who presented copies of his book and a DVD to the Villa. (photo/Scott Nixon) By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — John Davidson made a visit to the Exeter Villa last week after Villa residents raised $1,000 for Jesse's Journey. Twelve years ago a then -49 -year-old Davidson decided to push his 15 -year-old son Jesse, stricken with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, across Ontario to raise money and awareness for the disease. That walk raised $1.5 million for research. Three years later, Davidson walked across Canada raising another $2 million and forming the Jesse Davidson Endowment that now sits at about $8 million. Davidson said $2 million has so far been given to research and only the interest from the endowment is used. He said the target this year is for the endowment to give $400,000 to research, the high- est annual amount they've given so far. "When you have a dream, never give up on it," Davidson told Villa residents, adding he was "blown away" by the efforts Villa residents made to raise money for Jesse's Journey. Back in May, about 30 Villa residents walked either outside or inside the Villa, walking the equivalent of the distance from Exeter to London to raise money for Jesse's Journey. Eighty-year-old Dorothy Pfaff raised $210 and walked 461 feet despite the fact she had a stroke 12 years ago and broke a hip a year and a half ago. She then wrote Davidson a letter telling him about the Villa's efforts. "Jesse's Journey inspired me to get walking," she said. Villa director of rehab and assistant activities director Erin Dale said the Jesse's Journey walk was the most successful fundraiser the Villa has ever done for a chari- ty Davidson presented the Villa with copies of his book and a DVD about Jesse's Journey. He said progress is being made on Duchenne, a dis- ease he described as "insidious." He said he thinks the "Devastating" disorder preventable HURON — It's a devastating and irreversible disorder. And it's total- ly preventable. Last Sun., Sept. 9, was observed around the world as International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day. The ninth day of the ninth month was picked to symbolize the nine months of pregnancy when a woman should not drink alcohol. It's timely, the Huron County Health Unit says, because of a new study obtained last week by Canadian Press. In the report researchers from the University of Manitoba say more and more chil- dren are being born with FASD. The report says governments must increase support for those children who end up in foster care. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder includes the range of disabilities that can happen to a person whose mother drank during her pregnan- cy. It's dangerous for the baby because alcohol can cross the pla- centa and cause brain damage in the unborn child. It is estimated that approximately one per cent of the Canadian popu- lation suffers from FASD. That means 300,000 Canadians are cur- rently living with the effects of this condition. While there are no available sta- tistics for Huron County, Huron Addiction Services counsellor Greg Bowman has seen firsthand the effects on people with FASD. "It's devastating to see someone struggle in life because of a totally preventable cause." Children with FASD can suffer from learning disabilities, difficulty with problem solving and managing anger, hyperactivity, poor judgment and memory problems. There is no cure for FASD. Children born with FASD must live with this condition their entire lives. The good news is that FASD can be prevented. Huron County Health Unit public health nurse RuthAnn Ogilvie says, "If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are planning on becoming pregnant, you should not drink any alcohol. The choices that you make during your pregnancy can affect your baby's entire life." She goes on to say there is no safe amount of alcohol at any time dur- ing pregnancy. She suggests family and friends can encourage a preg- nant woman to abstain from drink- ing alcohol by having non-alcoholic beverages available for them. If you have any questions about FASD or alcohol use during preg- nancy, call the Huron County Health Unit at 519-482-3416 or 1- 877-837-6143 or the Motherrisk Helpline at 1-877-327-4636. 1 disease will eventually be cured, if not in time for Jesse, than in time for those being diagnosed today. Davidson told the Times -Advocate Jesse is doing well and, as a big London Knights fan, is happy hockey sea- son is starting again. Jesse works at Heritage London, tries to stay as active as he can and is looking into tak- ing courses in the fall. Davidson is excited about making fundraising efforts grow, but wishes he could "make everything happen faster." He said it makes him proud when somebody like Pfaff helps out. "Every foot makes a difference," Davidson adds. More information on Jesse's Journey and Duchenne muscular dystrophy can be found at www.jessesjour- ney.com Capsule Comments by Ernie Miatello New York City is aggressive in banning trans - fats from the city by the summer of 2008. Trans - fats were banned from all restaurants last July. Bakeries and other food manufacturers were given an extra year to comply. Trans -fats includes LDL I"bad" cholesterol) levels and reduce HDL 1"good" cholesterol) levels increasing the risk of heart disease. Food for thought. IN 2004, there were 383 million firearms in the U.S. privately owned by 38 per cent of households and 26 per cent of indivdivals. The U.S. has the highest gun homicide rate of any industrialized democracy. Soda pop can cause corrosion of the tooth enamel. This is due to the phosphoric and citric acids content of these drinks. One way of combating this is to drink soft drinks through a straw or only at mealtimes. Or you can switch to root beer. Evidently this flavour doesn't contain these acids. This is a time of year that pharmacists see an increase in head lice among children. A new product called Resultz is different than others on the market. It works by dissolving the wax that covers the outer skeleton of head lice. This causes dehydration and death of the louse. Two applications seven days apart is quite effective. Huron Apothecary Ltd. Phone 235-1982, PHARM ASSIST "YOUR HEALTH CARE PHARMACY" _A 440 Main St. Exeter 8200 Manufacturer's Rebate' 7 -- Celebrate the Season., with Hunter Douglas Save '200 for every 2 units of Luminette® privacy sheers LIGHT CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING' hunterdonglas.ca ` With mail -in rebate. Offer valid from Sept. lst-Dec. 31st, 200 Limitations and restrictions apply F OR HOME ICEa- & OFFICE 415 Main St, Exeter (519) 235-2444 • 1-866-835-2444 Email: customcoversforhomeoffice©bellnetc. Fall Festivals at O'Shea's Farm... every weekend now until Halloween Animal Barn — Corn Maze — Enchanted Forest — Horse Drawn Wagon Rides — Live Entertainment_ and more! 15 minutes north of London (near Lucan/Granton) 519-225-2600 www.osheasfarm.com Bring Mg ad $2 o ( admission (Limit 1 per car)