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Wheeling around on center stage

Catherine Johnston

Joshua France , a 16-year-old high school student, wheels around on stage as Humpty Dumpty in the Puyallup school’s musical “Shrek.” Joshua lives with neuromuscular disorder Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and was diagnosed when he was four. He also lives with his great singing voice and stage presence.

His mom, Christine, encouraged him to audition for “Shrek.” As Humpty Dumpty, Joshua sits on a wall. So his dad, Gary, built the wall as part of Joshua’s costume – right onto his wheelchair.

Joshua’s diagnosis and wheelchair may draw attention as he wheels through life.  But now he draws attention to his beautiful singing voice, acting skills and “crazy talented” gifts; I am certain the audience will “shrek” with delight.

* This story was originally published as a post from the blog "EndNotes." Read all stories from this blog