By Meghan Peterson.
March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. And there is perhaps no one more aware about this than Higganum’s own Waylon Page.
Waylon has a rare blood disorder called Qualitative Platelet Dysfunction, which blocks natural blood-clotting processes that are vital for wound recovery. You can read more about Waylon’s diagnosis, condition, and the extraordinary ways this young man lives his life here: https://hk-now.com/extraordinary-kids-waylon-page/
Although he is unable to participate in “conventional sports” due to his condition, Waylon has a dedicated passion for running. In fact, he is participating in a 7-mile road race in Falmouth, MA this summer (August 21) for an organization called the New England Hemophilia Association (NEHA). According to the NEHA website (newenglandhemophilia.org), the non-profit entity was founded in 1957 and is dedicated “to improving the quality of life of all persons with bleeding disorders and their families through education, support and advocacy in CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT.”
After Waylon retired from racing cars several years ago, he decided to continue racing – albeit in a different form: this time, with his feet.
How does this gentleman of 10 years train for a 7-mile race? Well, he practices, of course. Waylon trains two to three times a week. As with every passion and hobby Waylon has, it is consistent participation and focused practice that are hallmarks of his approach. Whether it is playing the snare drum in fife and drum corps, playing the trumpet, or running both in his school’s running club and in races, Waylon commits time and his whole self to the process. Why? It is simple: “…running gives me happy feelings that make me want to do this.” What is more, Waylon loves being outside. He is an outdoor kid. As such, he thrives on being active in the fresh air world.
His mama, Sarah Page explains that “Waylon has never let his physical limitations hold him down. As his parents, we support him in finding the things ‘he can do,’ and as a community we all share in nurturing that goal. Waylon has many people who support him, not only here in town, but also the infusion center nurses. They see him walk in with his cowboy boots and hat, and he lights up the room with smiles. He brings his “flair” to everyone he meets. In doing this race, it’s a way for him to feel good about his own accomplishments and give back to the NEHA community that has given him so much!”
As for the NEHA race in August, Waylon is especially excited. His birthday is on August 29, so he will be running toward his 11th birthday! In addition, he is participating in a muster with the fife and drum corps (Westbrook Junior Colonials) shortly after the race. In other words, it is a busy, festive week for Waylon that combines his love for running, music and life. Waylon puts it this way, “running in the rain is my favorite. It helps to cool you down. But running in the sun is my ultimate favorite.”
Cheers to Waylon. Here is to sunshine and fun for your summer race!
For those who are interested in donating to the NEHA event, visit uniteforbleedingdisorders.org or https://www.uniteforbleedingdisorders.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=79490 (the direct link for Waylon’s fundraising page). All proceeds go to NEHA’s outreach and research efforts.
Photo courtesy of Waylon’s parents, Sarah and Chris Page.
