Scott Parlee is one of nearly 2,000 people in Atlantic Canada living with muscular dystrophy. The 45-year-old is able to live at home thanks to the help of a ventilator and support from government funding—but that money only goes so far.
Parlee was diagnosed with the disease when he was just five years old. When he turned 36, he ended up in the hospital for several months and was told he would need a ventilator.
“It’s always something that was going to happen eventually because of the muscles weakening throughout my body,” Parlee said.
The equipment he needs can be expensive: he says a “Cough Assist” machine costs approximately $5,000.
That’s where the Fredericton Fire Department’s fundraiser comes in.
“Part of it comes from fundraising and some is provided by the government. The government is a great help, but there’s still lots of other things people need,” Parlee said.
Fredericton Firefight Jason Waterhouse is taking part in this year’s Ladder Sit event to raise funds and create more awareness about the disease.
Waterhouse is spending 60 hours 201 feet up in the air on a ladder truck to get people to donate.
Waterhouse said he doesn’t have any personal ties to the cause, but told Global News it’s something he’s passionate about helping with.
“The people that I’ve met, I see the challenges of quality of life every day,” he said. “The equipment they need that’s not covered through insurances and different things like that.
“That’s what really drives this ladder sit with our department, is that 100 per cent of the proceeds go directly to the people within our region who really need it,” Waterhouse said.
The Ladder Sit event is taking place in Fredericton and Oromocto June 17 and 18.
“It’s great that there’s money out there that can help me and others possibly stay at home or have a better living, and to help them live a better life,” Parlee said.
The annual Walk for Muscular Dystrophy is taking place on Sunday, June 26 at Odell Park in Fredericton.
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