Young siblings bring awareness to Muscular Dystrophy

Members of the Dixon family enjoy a laugh in the family home

The members of the Dixon family face a number of challenges everyday. Four-year-old Ella and her seven-year-old brother Nevan both have a rare form of muscular dystrophy. According to their parents, Jeremy and Kira, the neurological condition brings both difficulties and blessings to the Dixon household.

“We don't view our challenges any different than anybody else,” says Jeremy Dixon, Nevan’s and Ella’s father. “I wouldn't have it any other way. To me this is something very normal and to me this is something we embrace and we challenge it every day and we look forward to it every day.”

“They (Nevan and Ella) are always willing to push themselves,” says Kira Dixon. “For us to see them go beyond what we're told they're expected to do is really inspiring for us.”

While the children are a source of inspiration for their parents, Jeremy and Kira also inspire their kids. Nevan and Ella are both home schooled and require Kidwalk chairs to get around. Nevan says he’s proud of the way his father maintains the walkers.

“Dad can fix them. He knows,” says Nevan. “It's good right now but if you look at Ella's its all tearin' apart because it's my old one. Dad's gotten all the pieces and actually put them in himself.”

Renee Hopfner heads up community investment for Canada Safeway which provides grants to kids with Muscular Dystrophy. Hopfner says the Dixons are an extraordinary family.

“It's reflected in everything,” says Hopfner. “How they interact with people, how they're raising their children and also how they're giving back. They've been just so generous with their time and their story.”

The Dixons are spokespersons for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

“Having been able to spend a number of hours with them, and meeting both Ella and Nevan, and just watching them and the joy that these children are bringing to these parents, it's unbelievable,” says Canada Safeway’s Betty Kelsey.

Nevan and Ella don’t allow their physical condition to restrict them from living active lives. The siblings both participate in assisted swimming lessons and piano classes, and Nevan is involved in therapeutic horseback riding.

For their positive outlook and all they do to spread the message about living with Muscular Dystrophy, the Dixon family are this week’s Inspiring Albertans.

For more information on Muscular Dystrophy, visit Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

September is Muscular Dystrophy awareness month which kicked off with the annual Labour Day Telethon, previously known as the Jerry Lewis Telethon for ‘Jerry’s Kids’.

With files from CTV's Darrel Janz.