Braden Gendron and Matthew Nutter were recognized for persevering despite their disabilities and inspiring others during the annual New Brunswick Chief Scout/Queen's Venturer Awards and Scouts Canada Awards ceremony held in Fredericton on the weekend.
Braden, 10, is a Cub with the 6th Hampton Cub Pack and received the Scouts Canada Award for Fortitude because of the obstacles he has overcome as a sufferer of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH). PH is a rare disorder whereby the small vessels supplying blood to the lungs constrict and their walls thicken, making them unable to carry as much blood and oxygen.
The lack of oxygen causes sufferers to become tired, dizzy and short of breath.
But none of that stops the quiet Braden from participating whole-heartedly in Scouts, particularly his favourite activity, the annual cub car rallies for which he has had the fastest car before.
"I think I was given the award because I keep working against my illness," the third-year Cub explained. "Not many people get it, so I am excited."
Matthew, 11, is a Cub with the 1st Kingston Peninsula Cub Pack who received the prestigious Jack Cornwall Award - the highest Scouts Canada decoration awarded to youths for displaying a high level of character or courage.
Despite having both legs amputated below the knee, Matthew rarely misses a beat when it involves Scouting activities. Not only does he participate in all his pack's events, including camping adventures, he is also a spokesperson for the War Amps and their Play Safe program.
"When he found out he was getting the award he was really nervous, and because how he does things is so normal to him, he kept saying he didn't think he deserved the award, he doesn't think he's doing anything special" his Mom said.
Both youths received their awards from Lt.-Gov. Herménégilde Chiasson in the legislature on Saturday and enjoyed a reception with their families afterwards at Government House.
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Source: Telegraph Journal
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