Rallying around their boy

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This article was published 22/03/2021 (1881 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The folks at École Julie-Riel have been showing a lot of spirit lately — not least because the school recently held a Kidney Kare spirit week.

Kidney Kare, which ran from March 11 to 18, was held to honour one of the St. Vital-based school’s students — eight-year-old Grady Batchelor — who is set to undergo a kidney transplant on April 1.

The special spirit week was launched on March 11 to coincide with World Kidney Day — a global campaign intended to raise awareness about kidneys, kidney disease and organ donation. This year’s theme is “living well with kidney disease,” which is fitting, as the school community at École Julie-Riel went to town to honour Batchelor and to give him a send-off to remember. His last day of school before his life-changing operation was March 18.

Lyette Carriere, the school’s principal, told The Lance the week was indicative of how the school comes together to look after one of its own.

“We’re a tight-knit community, and this helps bring awareness to our students and their families,” Carriere said. “We’re always talking about promoting health.”

“This is a huge thing for our school, and it’s all for a really good cause. Our school family, and Grady’s family, have been amazing. Plus, he’s a great character and has stolen everybody’s hearts.”

The week included a virtual meeting involving the whole school during which Batchelor made a presentation, and a TV in the school’s foyer showed photos of Batchelor with his family and during his visits to the Health Sciences Centre.

As well, each day during Kidney Kare had a specific theme. March 11 was Wear Green for Grady — the colour represents organ donation. March 12 was pyjama day, because sleep is important for kidney health. March 15 was sports day, when the school was encouraged to wear their favourite team’s jersey or colours, because staying active is also important for kidney health.

March 16 was superhero day, when students were encouraged to dress like superheroes, because organ donors are real-life superheroes. March 17 doubled up as St. Patrick’s Day and sunglasses day — the latter because Batchelor has a bright and sunny future with much to look forward to. And March 18 was water day, because drinking water is also essential for kidney health. Batchelor drinks water every five minutes in class.

“I feel very happy that they are doing this for me,” Batchelor said.

“I think my last day is going to be very fun,” he added, referring to the March 18 parade, when everyone was due to walk by him and wish him well.

Batchelor said it’s important to him to help his peers understand what he’s going through and how it has impacted his life.  

After his transplant, he said, there’s a lot he’s looking forward to, which includes having sleepovers with his grandparents, running really fast, and — in light of the fact he’s on a strict diet right now — enjoying a burger from a certain restaurant in Transcona.

“They make really great burgers,” he said.

Batchelor’s teacher, Joni Tesoro, said Kidney Kare was a good opportunity to promote awareness and education about kidney health and organ donation, as well as another chance to show Batchelor the school is behind him.

“During our virtual assembly, Grady spoke to the whole school and explained what he’s been going through,” Tesoro said. “These events have given the school a chance to rally behind him, and show support for what he’s going through.”

Students at the school were encouraged to help raise funds for the Kidney Foundation by making a one-time donation of their choice.

At press time, more than $1,900 had been raised for the cause.