He may not look like much (small for age, sitting in a wheelchair, and wearing those heavy steel braces upon his skinny, pale legs), but Johnny Sandusky, aged 10, is a lot more than what he may appear to be.
For starters, he is a child who has had to learn to endure many hurtful or painful moments in his young life, and even though he has a disease that has no cure or treatment, Johnny has an amazingly upbeat attitude and has a sunny outlook in life. He is easy to make cry or sad, but at the same token, he is also very easy to make laugh or smile; and whenever he laughs or smiles, people are always bound to follow suit. He has done and seen more in his brief 10 1/2 years than most people get to do in their lifetime, and he has many memories that will last forever. He has travelled the country as a Youth Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and he has met many famous celebrities including Loretta Lynn, Jerry Lewis, Ed McMahon, Hallie Eisenberg, and Oprah Winfrey.
Johnny also happens to be an active little boy when his disease isn't giving him an especially hard time. On his "good days" Johnny can usually be found playing with his video games, or he can be found playing Little League in the spring and summer months, where he is a member of a team made up of disabled children called the "Challengers". He also loves to read, sing, watch tv, and go to country music concerts (where he is usually given all-access backstage passes). He loves to go swimming, and he also loves to play on the computer.
On his bad days, Johnny usually doesn't feel good, and he usually stays in bed. Sometimes his breathing bothers him, and at night, he is often on oxygen. On the days where his disease is active, Johnny can usually be counted on to be going to his doctor's for a checkup, or he may even go to the Emergency Room if his breathing is especially bad. He is then often admitted to the hospital for a few days for careful and close observation.
In addition to his muscular dystrophy (which was diagnosed when he was one year old), Johnny also has brain damage and epilepsy as a result of meningitis he had just after he had been diagnosed with the muscular dystrophy. He often has seizures, and he also has struggled with dyslexia and other learning problems until only recently; yet in light of all that he has been through, Johnny continues to triumph over the odds, and he continues to keep a good outlook on things. He is forever hopeful that a cure for muscular dystrophy will be found within the next few years, and even though he isn't expected to live more than three years at the most, he still is happy, and he is looking forward to seeing Jesus in Heaven. He is a Christian, and he isn't afraid to proclaim his faith. He feels that Jesus is the reason he has come as far as he has in his life, and he is grateful for each extra day that he lives.
Johnny is a good little teacher. He teaches others about life itself, and how some people have it worse than others. He teaches people about muscular dystrophy or other neuromuscular diseases, and he makes people want to give to charities benefiting those who happen to suffer from diseases like muscular dystrophy. He makes people want to care. He also teaches people about compassion, especially towards those who are handicapped or dying, and he makes people realize just how fortunate they really are. He also teaches people about faith, patience, and optimism, and he also teaches them about the meanings behind courage and strength in impossible circumstances. When people first see or meet him, they are always moved or changed, and once they meet him, they will probably never forget him.
Want to review or comment on this short story?
Need a FREE Reader Membership?
Reviewed by Robert Blackwell
6/9/2003
They're all special kids, and their creator even more so. Brava!
Gemma succeeds in starting a girls' football team at her new school, but bitter rival Tyrone does everything he can to stop the girls playing. So begins a battle of wits between the girls and boys, and also between Gemma and sports teacher, Mrs Lawfo
All About how Lila chooses how to handle her "worries" about the first day of school. Another Mom's Choice Award Seal of Excellence recipient in the "Kids with Worries" book series.
