Dacian Filipescu, who uses a wheelchair to get around Lake Hill Elementary School, dreams of competing in cross-country races, says his mom, Delia Filipescu.
“He said, ‘I’ll just aim not to be last. Second to last is OK,’ ” she said. Her son, who turns 10 on Sunday, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, an incurable genetic disease that accelerates muscle loss. He was diagnosed at the age of five. Last year, he started using a wheelchair. Life expectancy for those with the disease is rarely past the mid-20s.
“He’s such a great child, very resilient,” said Filipescu, adding she wants her son to be able to participate in as many activities as he can, while he can.
This is why the Filipescus are working with the Lake Hill community to raise funds for a wheelchair-accessible van, so they can bring Dacian’s motorized chair home from school and on outings.
“We’re an immigrant, middle-class family, so we don’t qualify for low-income help, but we can’t afford to buy a $45,000 van as quickly as we need it,” said Filipescu, a part-time librarian. Her husband is a research scientist. Both are academics who moved to Canada from Romania 13 years ago.
Parents of Dacian’s schoolmates approached the family a few months ago with an offer to help raise money for a van. For several years, the families and schoolmates had participated in a walk for muscular dystrophy. Lake Hill Elementary built a ramp to the library for better wheelchair access. And, every year since Grade 1, the Filipescus have made a presentation on Duchenne muscular dystrophy for their son’s classmates.
“[The parents] said, ‘Instead of the walk this year, what do you think if we start fundraising for you,’ ” Filipescu said.
They started the LakeHill Community Challenge, which includes fundraising efforts such as a classmate’s roadside lemonade stand, Tupperware parties, a wine sale and a youcaring.com fundraising page. So far, they have raised about $13,500.
On Saturday, the Filipescus will host a special fundraiser at the Saanich Commonwealth Recreation Centre from 11 a.m. to noon. Children and adults are invited to participate in wheelchair sports and to celebrate Dacian’s 10th birthday. Attendees can bring a donation instead of a gift.
For more information, go to: youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/a-van-for-dacian/191432
