Renton Firefighters Think Outside The Box When Supporting Muscular Drystophy Association

Being a teen is tough enough without the extra worry of keeping up with the crowd and fitting in. But Renton Fire and Emergency Services is helping one Renton teen with muscular dystrophy, a disease that weakens muscles over time, to “feel like one of the guys.”

They’ve gone beyond , and instead have chosen to get personally involved in the campaign to fight the disease, said Pam Bedynek, whose son, Cody, was diagnosed with the disease.

Three years ago Renton Firefighter Nathan Blakeslee contacted the MDA office in Seattle to see if the office could pair a local kid with MDA with the department.

“My hope was to give the guys a visual clue for their efforts when out in the street filling boots with dollars/change from passing motorists,” said Blakeslee.

The Seattle MDA introduced Blakeslee to Cody and his parents Kevin and Pam, of Fairwood.

Now, 15-years-old, Cody feels ‘like one of the guys,’ when he hangs out with Renton Fire and Emergency Services firefighters, said Pam.

While there are many variations of the muscular dystrophy, it makes physical activity more difficult for people with the disease.

Most recently, Cody spent three hours at Station 12 in the Renton Highlands where he spent the evening barbecuing burgers with the firefighters.

“It was fun,” he said. “I got to meet some new people.”

And while Cody was at Station 12, his parents enjoyed a nice evening out, Pam said.

Cody also got a big surprise. The department presented him with his own station uniform, donated by Workrite.

During the three years since the MDA matched Cody with the Renton Fire Department, the teen has helped with a variety of functions, including the presentation of a check with Renton Fire during MDA Telethons and barbecued hotdogs for the crews during Fill the Boot events and assisted with counting Fill the Boot donations.

And during that time, Cody’s really come out of his shell, Blakeslee said.

He’s also had the chance to go up in a ladder truck, said Pam.

“It was amazing,” she said. “They just treat him like one of the guys. It’s not like they treat him like a special guest.”

The experience is more than a morale booster, she said. It’s a chance to interact and be social.

“All the guys have been really cool and cordial. They are such great role models.”