My name is Jason Winslow. I’m 14 years old and I live in Johannesburg.
Many people stop to stare at me because I ride in a mobility scooter. Sometimes I get shy but most times I wave to them and show them a thumbs up. People love that I’m always smiling and that I am friendly. Even the car guards know me and ask my Dad where I am when I’m not with him.
I have swooped my scooter up with side mirrors, lights and it even has a registration plate attached to the front basket. People think this is cool and children ask their parents if they can have one too. Most stares come from cyclists and spectators when they see me being pulled in my race wheelchair behind my Dad’s bicycle. I do this to raise awareness together with Mommy and Daddy.
I was born with a genetic condition called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The protein that helps keep my muscles strong is missing and so they get weaker. That is why I can no longer walk. It affects all the skeletal muscles, heart and diaphragm. I always tell people that I believe in miracles and that I might walk one day. I stay positive. My motto is never give up. Mommy told me never to give up on a cure and to keep praying one will come.
I take meds and supplements daily and I enjoy hydrotherapy twice in the week with a Biokineticist to help stretch my muscles gently and to keep range of movement. I also have a stand wheelchair that I use daily to help me with my contracture’s and it has many other health benefits.
Rare Diseases South Africa has helped me to raise awareness for Duchenne by hosting an annual walk which I like to do in my scooter. I bring my friends along too.