42 — Sunday, January 17, 1999 — North Shore News north shore news ____9 00 BRIGHT TIGHTS. 66 Jesse's journey the North IANUARY 2000s John p tae pee ge ; Davidson's birthday Efe atends to celebrate by dippras fits toot ino the Pacitte OQeean on Vancouver Island. Pde last wet steetuocean waters April 10, That was the Athantic and the dare was his san Jesse's 17th birthday. Phe two birthdays will bookend a nine month and 8.300 km walk across Canada to raise Money for, and awareness about, gene research Jesse has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Its the most pro tound of many forms of muscular dystrophy, affecting only boys. Some 15,000 across North America have the disease, the majan- w diving in their tens and 20s. On average, two die every day john Davidson remains one of the most postive public speakers I have heard, imisting drat we hive ma ome of hope where the gene that carries the disease has already been identified. He also sad he hopes his walk will serve as a role model for ers and represent the 98% of good guys who go to their sons’ kK : ver make news that is dominated by the crim- ross Canada grew out of the success of his 1995 trek acrow Ontario pushing Jesse in his wheelchair, That effort raised over $1 million tor genetic research but Davidson has his eve on amore difficult target this Gime. He had hoped his 10 rition strides across Canada would raise S10 million, He's raised something over $2 million to date and hopes more picdges will continue to flow as word spreads. Davidson emphasizes char every possible dotlar will be earmarked for research and has only one office manager back in) London, Ont. on a temporary salary. If vou would like to Kelp, write te ‘Phe Foundation tor Gene and Cell Therapy, Box 5099, Landon, Ontario, N6A 4MS. Check the website at for more information. Life-iong Rotarian Chartie Derban presented John Davidson with a cheque towards the $10-million target from the North Shore's Rotary clubs. John Davidson was greeted by Const. Judith Bertrand and Const. Philip Yong in the Mountie’s full dress uniform of red serge when he arrived at the recep- tion at North Vancouver's Centennial Theatre. Doug Goodman was busy trading municipal pins. Goodman works for local government in London, Ont. He has spent four weeks of vacation time this year (one in Quebec, one in Saskatchewan and two in B.C.) valun- teering with Jesse's Journey. Margo Gram, confirmed last week as_ North Vancouver's cultural ser- vice’s coordinator, was Representing the Recreation Commission at the reception was chair- A big part of the tear effort are driver (there's been a rotat- ing crew) Ron Cathoun and road manager Ted Eadinger, who has juggled times and distances for nine months in order ta book accommodations and appearances. Three of the Rotarians lending their support to Jesse's Journey were Lions Gate members Lou Lubensky (left) and Bodc Vajen and president of the Rotary Club of North Vancouver Joy Jones. UNbottie Your Water! SPECIAL LEASE FTO OWN OPTION OW PURIFIER-COGLER REE Purified water through inline purifier-cooler. man Maureen Curtis, who wrote for the News for many years. graciously urging the guests to enjoy a variety of finger foods. RCMP Const. Franci OuPerron escorted Davidson on Monday's journey across Narrows Bridge and into North the Second Vancouver. FREE Installation. FREE Three year purifier replacement and service FREE Gift with every lease in January Purchase options available Trust Your Waier Quality to a Certified Professional Twenty-five year North Van resident David McAdam knew .'ohn as a friend in VWvoodstock, Ont. He and his wile Trish Hoime came out to show their support. es All three North Shore mayors were on hand to welcume John Davidson and his crew: (fom left) Jack Loucks, Pat Boname and Don Belt. Visit our Factory Outlet iu ly Canada ine The UNbottled Water Company 1394 Main Street, North Vancouver (Main & Harbour) 990-1 1 58