Published: October 18, 2009 09:56 am      

Bobcats waterboy is an inspiration

Justin Richoux, 15, just wanted to be a part of the Orangefield Junior High School football team, and didn’t let anything stand in his way, including Friedreich’s Ataxia.

The disease may have slowed the eighth grader down a bit, but with a smile on his face, he has happily been the Bobcats’ waterboy for the past two years. He also is responsible for keeping the footballs clean and dry and ready to use during the games.

Once in a while, he gets fatigued, but not for long. After a brief break he is back to business and rushing around to make sure the bottles are filled for thirsty football players.

Friedreich's ataxia is an inherited disease that causes progressive damage to the nervous system resulting in symptoms ranging from gait disturbance, speech problems to heart disease. The ataxia of Friedreich's ataxia results from the degeneration of nerve tissue in the spinal cord and of nerves that control muscle movement in the arms and legs. Friedreich's ataxia, although rare, is the most prevalent inherited ataxia, affecting about 1 in every 50,000 people in the United States, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders.

There is no cure for the disease, but his mother, Shelly Weaver, says they have “hope.”

“He is a great kid for the things he has had to face,” Weaver said. “He is always very positive.”

Richoux had back surgery in Feb. 2009 and missed two months of school. When he returned, he was in a wheelchair. By the end of the school year, the determined teen was walking again.

“Since the surgery, he doesn’t let anything get him down,” Weaver said. “God has big plans for him.”

Richoux said his plans include going to college or he may become a carpenter or mechanic since he likes building things.

One thing is for sure, he will touch a lot of hearts a long the way and certainly lead by example to all who meet him.

“This kid is unbelievable,” said Shawn Clubb, Orangefield Junior High School Principal. “He makes a positive out of everything.”

Clubb added, Richoux does not see himself as disabled, but looks to help everyone else.

“If we had more kids like that, then the world would be a better place,” Clubb said. “He makes a difference in everyone’s life.”

Like most teenage boys, Richoux admits he enjoys hanging out with the cheerleaders before the football games.

But, during the off season, Richoux goes to the volleyball games. His older sister once played and he continues to support the team. He knows each players name and cheers them on.

He also takes time to hang out with friends and play a little football.

“If I could I would like to do basketball and baseball too,” Richoux said with a smile.

Richoux draws strength from his faith in God as he strives to go on with his life in spite of the setbacks. With his family he attends the Silver Oaks Baptist Church on FM 1442 where he is sure to continue to inspire all.



Debby Schamber is a reporter for the Orange Leader. She can be reached at 409-883-3571 ext. 2609 or at dschamber@orangeleader.com.