Download The Joshua Porter Gunn Bursary Fund

The Joshua Porter Gunn Bursary Fund
There are some people who are born to inspire those around
them. Joshua Porter Gunn is one of those people. Born and
raised in Saint John, Joshua is a happy-go lucky child, always
involved in sports – particularly soccer and hockey. When Josh
was five years old, he began experiencing issues with his vision
and underwent numerous tests to determine the cause.
A year later, he was diagnosed with Neuronal Ceroid
Lipofuscinoses, also known as Batten Disease. The rare disorder
causes neurological impairment including seizures, dementia,
loss of sight and motor skills, as well as the ability to walk, talk
and communicate.
Although this diagnosis was devastating to the Gunn family,
Josh remained positive. He adapted to each new situation with
grace, strength and determination. This was perfectly illustrated
with Josh’s resolve to keep up one of his favourite activities. He
continued to ride his bike, whether it was on his own, riding
tandem with a family member or enjoying the therapeutic bike
when his balance was compromised.
Josh’s passion for life and sport is infectious and continues to
inspire his friends and family – especially his brother Tyler. Josh’s
love for hockey has motivated Tyler and his teammates to play
their best each game and enjoy each moment on the ice.
The love and support Josh and his family have received has
inspired them to give back to the community in a way that will
establish Josh’s legacy and celebrate the bond between these
loving brothers.
The Gunn family is establishing the Joshua Porter Gunn Bursary
Fund for graduating students of St. Malachy’s Memorial High
School who embody Josh and Tyler’s passion, dedication,
and work ethic. It is their dream that through education and
research a cure for this fatal disease will be found.
The fund will provide one or more bursaries per year for
graduating students of St. Malachy’s Memorial High School who
have been accepted as a full-time student at a post-secondary
education institution. Consideration for awarding each bursary
THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION - building a greater saint john includes the following criteria: financial need, solid academic
standing, leadership qualities, involvement in extracurricular
and community activities and participation in athletics,
particularly minor hockey. Special consideration will be given
to those students who express interest in pursuing a career in
the health care field.
It is hoped that as this fund grows, additional bursaries
will be available at other area high schools located within
Greater Saint John.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.thecommunityfoundationsj.ca
506-672-8880 [email protected]