MARSHALL, Mich., — For the third year in a row, students at Marshall Academy pounded the pavement to pay it forward.
Thursday afternoon, students from grades K through 12 left class and walked to the famous Brooks Fountain in the middle of the city to raise awareness and money for Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS). It’s a group of genetic enzyme disorders that prevents the body’s cells from releasing toxins.
Each year the school selects a charity that immediately impacts one of the students or their family members. 5th grader Luke DeVolder is currently fighting MPS and receiving treatment at Oaklawn Hospital.
Previous walks have supported kidney cancer and neuroblastoma.
Marshall Academy Headmaster Brent Swan says despite Luke’s condition, he is a great student who inspires others.
“This day is a day to honor him in a way too. He’s made great strides and we’re just proud of him and proud of what he’s done,” Swan told FOX 17 News.
Marshall Academy students raised more than $2,000 dollars to benefit the MPS Society.