Walking with confidence
Student sisters persevere to pursue degrees
KAYLA CHRISTOPHERSON
Culture Coordinator
Issue date: 8/28/08


Media Credit: KAYLA CHRISTOPHERSON
Julie Wade (shown above) and her sister Jessica utilize scooters to help them get to class.
[Click to enlarge]


To many, classrooms on upper floors are just 13 more steps that could possibly make students late. To others, those classrooms are a daily struggle.

Julie Wade, a 20-year-old sophomore majoring in elementary education and her younger sister, Jessica, are everyday students following a similar, but sometimes blockaded, route confined by a disease that limits the siblings’ mobility.

Though doctors diagnosed the sisters with a juvenile version of the neuromuscular disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) – also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease – Wade sums up her condition by saying she has a hard time walking and maintaining her balance.

Amidst a daily struggle against the degeneration of motor neurons and overall muscle health, the Wade sisters act as if they are completely undaunted by the limitations of mortality while, at the same time, possess a curiosity to the ways of the world.

Citing their desires to truly live life to its fullest, the girls chose to spend the last few years living on campus, on the third floor in Building D of the University Square Apartments, whole-heartedly embracing the authentic experience of college life.

“I have a hard time going up and down stairs, I look like I’m drunk,” Julie said. “We were hoping to get a first floor apartment this year but we were told we have to wait ’till next year.”

Though most people would see it as an enormous inconvenience, Julie finds joy and laughter in her balance deficiency and other less serious health-related issues. But disappointment and struggle crossed her face as she discussed this issue.

“It’s weird because this is the disability building, and there is only one handicapped apartment on each floor,” Julie said.

Though frustrating endeavors seem inevitable, many benefits come from living in a handicap-friendly space. Julie’s apartment highlights include the helpful bars in the bathroom that help her steady herself in the shower and a specialized stove with easily accessible knobs on the front panel that make cooking a breeze.

For better or worse, the girls enjoy the advantages of living on campus. They appreciate the close proximity to the school and other students.

Regardless, some instances still exist when the girls are slapped with the anguish of their condition and being considered different.

Julie described how she walks around on campus and blends in with the college population. But, once she jumps on her scooter, things change.

“At first I didn’t want to rely on my scooter too much, because of the extra attention it drew to me,” she said.

Over the past three years, Julie has grown within herself and feels differently about the role her bright-blue beauty plays in her life.

“Now I don’t care what people think. If I’m tired I’m going to sit down,” Julie said.

She credits the people of Boise State for her change of heart.

“At BSU they’re different. If you need help, they will help you. I’ve had a really good experience at BSU so far. People on campus are very nice,” she said.

Julie’s face lights up when she speaks of the many times people have assisted her on campus. Her thankfulness toward everyday individuals is great, but the pain she tries to cover, as she describes her undying desire to be able to take care of herself, is also noticeable.

“On my bad days I get jealous. Asking myself, ‘Why was I born like this? Why can’t I friggin’ get up on the curb?’” she said. Small conveniences like these that we all take for granted are the things Julie yearns to do most.

“I see girls and guys walking with no problem and I think, ‘I wish I could walk and have the confidence that they do,’” she said.

Julie and Jessica Wade are not the only ones defying the odds as their fight for life continues. The Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon has been on the air every Labor Day weekend since 1966, and will be broadcast locally this Monday as it celebrates 42 years of helping “Jerry’s Kids.”

“It’s just good to donate because you know you’re helping someone in need,” Julie said. She knows first hand the blessings that come from generous community members.

Over the years, Wade has enjoyed telethon donations in the form of medical equipment and sponsorship for 13 years to the MDA summer camp.

The MDA telethon will air on FOX all day Monday. Donations for the cause will also be accepted at Meridian Speedway Saturday night.

Muscular Dystrophy is a silent destroyer of lives, but as the Wades have exemplified, no one gives up easily. A community of openhanded strangers rushes toward a saving grace for these people – the goal is in sight.

“Someday, we won’t need MDA’s money anymore – when we find a cure for all Muscular diseases,” Julie said.

Jerry Lewis’ Telethon benefit for muscular dystrophy will be broadcast live from Las Vegas Aug. 31 – Sept. 1 on PBS.

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