HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- Ms. Keilondi Johnson’s Life Planning and Wellness class at J.R. Tucker High School in Henrico's West End is a place where students learn about eating right and managing finances. But the beloved teacher imparts another lesson that does not appear on the syllabus.
"She obviously has gone through a lot and she is here all of the time with a good attitude," student Carleigh Smith said. "That is obviously a good role model."
Keilondi was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at the age of two. Today she tackles the challenges MD offers on a daily basis. Over time, the disease has taken more of a toll.
"So it’s like weaknesses in the muscles," Keilondi said. "It can be very frustrating."
But Muscular Dystrophy is not robbing Keilondi’s spirit to teach. In fact, her challenges have only strengthened her resolve. She refuses to let her disability define her.
"That is what I try to tell them. 'If I can be here every day, you can be here every day,'" Keilondi said. "'If I can get this done. You can get this done.'"
Now in her 13th year at Tucker, Johnson has become one of the most loved teachers at the school.
”She is a kid magnet. Kids just love being around her," Tucker’s principal Dr. Robert Lowerre said. "She is a fantastic teacher."
Keilondi Johnson encourages teens to overcome, no matter the situation.
"To allow them to see that despite your different challenges that you may have in life, you still have a purpose in life," she said.
As the Muscular Dystrophy grows more challenging, Ms. Johnson is trying to raise money to purchase a new mechanical device called “GoWing” that will help her become more independent at home, work and her neighborhood. Click here to learn more about “GoWing.”
Greg McQuade and CBS 6 News are featuring local heroes in a weekly “Heroes Among Us” segment. Watch Greg’s reports Thursdays on CBS News at 6 or here on WTVR.com. If you would like to nominate someone to be featured on “Heroes Among Us,” click here to email heroes@wtvr.com.
