Westport senior found source of strength throughout high school

WESTPORT — Like many graduating high school seniors, Michaella Lesieur has set lofty goals and wants to make a positive difference in the world.

The 18-year-old Westport High School student has already charted a clear course, and, inspired by her mother’s rare medical condition, continues to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for eosinophilic associated disorders, a group of debilitating chronic diseases that rob children and adults of their vitality.

“I want to help find the cure,” Lesieur emphasizes. “That’s my goal. It’s something that I want to continue for the rest of my life.”

Lesieur became aware of the diseases when mother Madaline was diagnosed with hypereosinophilic syndrome, HES, about 10 years ago at a Boston hospital. The condition is one of five eosinophil associated disorders that affect various organs. An eosinophil is a type of white blood cell associated with allergies, parasites and cancers. Symptoms include chronic night sweats, fatigue and pain.

Despite her young age, a strong desire to help her mother, whose lungs are affected by the potentially fatal disease, fueled Lesieur to begin her quest to learn about the disorders by reading published materials, searching the Internet and talking to families affected by one of the debilitating medical conditions.

“Being introduced to this disease at such a young age made me want to reach out to those who are suffering to help find a cure,” says Lesieur, who will attend Bristol Community College in September.

“I’ve spent hours and hours educating myself,” she adds.

As the determined young woman prepares for graduation, Lesieur took her advocacy one step further and developed a senior project, a requirement for graduation, to inform her peers
and teachers about the disorders for which there is no known cure.

“I found out Day 1 of freshmen year about the project,” Lesieur recalls, adding that she had no difficulty selecting a topic for the important assignment, which includes a 10-page written paper and PowerPoint presentation.

“Michaella began her project with a focus I have never seen in a student before,” explains Jessica Brittingham, the graduating senior’s English teacher. “On Day 1, she knew exactly what she wanted to do and how she wanted to get there.”

Brittingham says that Lesieur put a great deal of thought into the project, which is unique insofar that the student’s personal connection to the topic helps drive her commitment.

“Michaella’s dedication to her mother became quite apparent to me early in the project and, in many ways, this project has allowed her to help her mother,” the educator observes.

Julie Springer, APFED’s national fundraising coordinator, describes Lesieur’s volunteerism as incredible.

“She is mature beyond her age and an inspiration to other kids whose family members are affected,” Springer notes, adding that while the number of diagnosed cases is constantly increasing, there are no statistics available that indicate the number of people who suffer from the disorders in the United States.

Lesieur emphasizes that the disease has brought her family closer together. She shares that father Bob and brother Corey, a student at Westport Middle School, are very supportive, whether it’s helping around the house or advocating to find a cure.

“Every day is a gift,” Madaline Lesieur says quietly. “There is no greater joy than having them around me.

“My daughter is role model. She has a lot of energy and a lot of love.”

During a recent family birthday celebration held at Not Your Average Joe’s Restaurant in Dartmouth, Lesieur shared the news about her project and advocacy with owner Steve Silverstein, who readily embraced the idea to hold a fundraiser at the eatery during National Eosinophilic Awareness Week, which runs May 19-25.

Impressed by Lesieur’s determination, the restaurateur agreed to host an event to benefit APFED.

Tonight, the restaurant will donate 15 percent of the cost of all meals purchased at the Dartmouth site by guests who present a special certificate to their server.

For more information or to download a certificate, visit the Web site: www.notyouraveragejoes.com, click on the button labeled “Dartmouth” and then go to “Not Your Average Cause.”

– Brian J. Lowney (source: southcoasttoday.com)