Although Sejin Whittle’s muscular dystrophy is slowly getting worse, his mother said he’s completely optimistic that there will be a cure.

As goodwill ambassador for the state, his face is included on the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s poster this year. Muscular dystrophy is a group of disorders that involve muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue that get worse over time, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Jennifer Whittle said the 8-year-old was diagnosed about four years ago. He couldn’t get up the stairs, and he couldn’t run and jump like the other kids.

“The firefighters have done a ‘Fill the Boot’ campaign for him two times,” she said. “So he’s been on the phone with them twice.”

Whittle said the public has been very generous. Hilldale Public Schools donated a large amount of money a couple of years ago.

“He appreciates it,” she said. “He knows raising the money will help him. He’s very grateful.”

Whittle and her husband David also have two other children, Beau, 21; and Shane, 15.

She said her son Shane went to state and won several athletic awards. He commented that he got the muscles his little brother didn’t. Whittle said Shane is the one who picks Sejin off the floor whenever his legs give out.

Whittle said that, so far, there is no treatment for muscular dystrophy.

“Some people use steroids, but there are side effects on down the road, and it’s only temporary,” she said.

The MDA has continued to provide emotional support for the family. Whittle said she set up a visit with Governor Brad Henry about three weeks ago.

Whittle said the family has two cats and a dog named Sadie, but they haven’t caught Sejin’s attention like his four-wheeler because there’s not much leg work involved.

“They (the cats) purr on me,” Sejin said. “I like the computer.”

Sejin said he messages a little bit on the computer.

Muscular dystrophy hasn’t affected Sejin’s interest in school and the subjects there, Whittle said.

“He’s a good student,” she said. “For the most part, he likes it. He’s good at math.”

Getting around at school was a problem until a combination of Whittle’s insurance money and some supplemental funds from the MDA paid for an electric wheelchair. The chair is expected to last about three years.

She said insurance, the MDA and the Shriners have all contributed money as needed, so that all that’s left is the “heart burden.”



You can help



If you would like to donate, visit Lowe’s, 2901 E. Shawnee Bypass, before March 28 and ask at the customer service counter.



Reach Keith Purtell at 918-684-2925 or Click Here to Send Email