My son with Pompe disease received a school courage award
The recognition brought tears to this proud mother's eyes
My 6-year-old son, Cayden, absolutely loves going to school. He’s doing exceptionally well in first grade.
A few weeks ago, during routine testing, Cayden received the highest scores in the entire class. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t brag a little to friends and family about the high scores.
More recently, Cayden received a certificate that couldn’t have made me prouder as a mother. His teacher nominated him for a certificate of recognition for being courageous.
The message states that “Cayden is bold in the face of obstacles and uses his experiences to show his peers that being unique is something to be celebrated. Through his actions, Cayden teaches others that courage isn’t just about overcoming physical challenges, but about embracing new experiences with confidence and encouraging others to do the same. You are so brave, Cayden.”
Cayden’s certificate of recognition. (Screenshot by Keara Engle)
Reading the message brought tears to my eyes. For so long, I’ve wondered what the future would be like for my son. I was scared that his infantile-onset Pompe disease would prevent him from going to school and learning in a typical public education setting with other kids his age. I now see that I had no reason to fear, because Cayden would exceed not only my expectations, but also those of others.
There’s no better way to explain Cayden — his teacher did it perfectly! You’d never guess that the kid in the wheelchair would love gym class more than any other. He doesn’t let the differences he has get in the way of anything, and neither do his nurses and aides who attend school with him.
During gym class or outdoor activities such as field day, Cayden’s nurse will run up and down the court or field, pushing Cayden along in his wheelchair, allowing him the same experience as the other kids. I believe this boosts his confidence and lets him know that he’ll always be included, and never left out or forgotten about.
I was so worried about switching school districts for this school year when we moved into a new house. However, I can confidently say that it was the best decision we could’ve made for Cayden. His new school is so much more accommodating. And his teacher is truly an angel sent from above. She goes above and beyond to make sure that Cayden is given every opportunity that the other children have, and now we can see with his certificate that it has paid off.
Every time Cayden comes home from school, he is eager to tell me all about his day. I look forward to hearing the stories and listening to everything that his little mind absorbed that day. My wish is for Cayden to never lose his confidence and to continue to show his courage — not only in school, but in every aspect of life. He has grown leaps and bounds these last few years, and I can’t wait to watch him keep doing so!
Note: Pompe Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pompe Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Pompe disease.
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