The Times Advocate, 2005-03-02, Page 12Crossroads
12
Wednesday, March 2, 2005
Exeter Times Advocate
Jesse's Journey: a father's passionate story
By Stephanie Mandziuk
TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF
EXETER — "How far would you go for
someone you love?"
This is one of the first things you hear
from John Davidson as he passionately
speaks about his son Jesse who has
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
John says, "the genetic disease affects
23,000 boys in North America and we
lose two everyday". There is no cure.
The former broadcaster
sees his son Jesse as a
hero, someone who mea-
sures things up by what
he can do, not by what he
can't do.
In 1995 John pushed
Jesse, and his wheelchair,
3,300 km across Ontario
raising money and aware-
ness about Duchenne
Muscular Dystrophy. Their journey
brought in $1.5 million.
In 1998 John went solo walking 8,300
km across Canada.
So far the charitable foundation has
raised $5 5 million, thanks in part to a
recent $3 million donation from the
estate of Helen McMillan of St. Thomas.
In January of this year Jesse's Journey
launched the Duchenne Research
Initiative with a $1 million investment.
Researchers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
Ottawa and London are working together
to find a cure.
Davidson is realistic about his son's
future. "We cannot be in time for some-
one like Jesse but I know we can be in
time for other youngsters. It's those
youngsters like Jesse who face challenges
everyday who inspire someone like me".
Jesse, now in his mid twenties, lives on
his own and works twice a week.
Even though Jesse is an adult, John still
believes in following his chosen path. "I
am a Dad. I believe I'm doing what I am
supposed to be doing, everything I can for
my children".
John says his journey with Jesse in
1995 was remarkable. Many positive
things happened along the
way and he decided to keep
a journal.
In 2002 he released
Jesse's Journey: A
Canadian Story.
John starts his book with
the news of Jesse's diagno-
sis in 1985. Ten years later
the journey begins.
Davidson is quick to
praise his son's determination through-
out the book. He also reminds us of the
commitment of support staff, and the
generosity of Canadians.
John acknowledges a strong faith.
"Somebody much bigger than all of us is
running Jesse's Journey, "he says making
reference to some miraculous occurences
along the way.
The cross -Canada trek is a memory
now but John's personal quest is ongo-
ing. "My life's journey is about people,
particularly children."
John continues to speak to groups
about Jesse's Journey and he encourages
people to learn more by going to:
www.jessesjoumey.com.
The former broadcaster
sees his son Jesse as a
hero, someone who
measures things up by
what he can do, not by
what he can't do.
John Davidson shares his inspirational story with members of the South Huron
Chamber of Commerce on Feb.26. The SHCC donated $500 to Jesse's Journey.
Linda and Jim Finkbeiner welcome guests to the annual general meeting of the John Davidson, an award-winning speaker, signs a copy of his book: Jesse's Journey
South Huron Chamber of Commerce. (photo/Stephanie Mandziuk) A Canadian Story. (photo/Stephanie Mandziuk)
Huron -Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell and Hugh McMaster of the Ranch House Inn at
the SHCC annual general meeting. (photo/Stephanie Mandziuk)
Members of the business community gather for the SHCC's annual general meet-
ing including: Tony de Boer (far left) Fred Simmons and Mark Heimrich.
(photo/Stephanie Mandziuk)