London lost a favourite son today, as news quickly spread of the passing of Jesse Davidson. Jesse, who suffered from the genetic illness Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, first came into the spotlight as a local London hero in 1995, when he successfully endured a 3300-kilometre trek across Ontario in his wheelchair pushed by his father, John.
Jesse Davidson
“Jesse was a bright and passionate member of our community and a true inspiration to all Londoners,” says Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best. “We will miss him tremendously, and extend our deepest sympathy to the Davidson family. Jesse’s endeavours have enriched our city, our country and the world, as a fine example of courage and dedication in the face of adversity.”
Londoners who wish to offer condolences to the Davidson family are invited to visit City Hall any day next week to sign a Book of Condolences, which will be set up in the lobby beginning Monday morning, November 9 at 8:30 a.m. The book will remain in the lobby until Friday, November 13 at 4:30 p.m.
The arduous cross-province project in 1995 firmly launched Jesse’s Journey and the Foundation for Gene and Cell Therapy with a goal to raise awareness and funds for genetic research. In completing their incredible four-month Journey, John and Jesse Davison generated $1.5 million for research into a cure for neuromuscular disease and Jesse reached out to thousands of Ontarians with his story of hope for the future.
Since that time, Jesse’s Journey has established a $10 million Endowment Fund from which $3 million has been given directly for research. This Endowment Fund will continue to be Jesse’s legacy for future generations.
