Junior School students canoeing during a school trip.

York School News

York Student Speaks on Capitol Hill about Rare Diseases

3/6/2017

Last week, one of our Middle School students, Julia Band Orange, travelled to Washington, DC to speak on Capitol Hill and raise awareness about rare diseases.

Julia speaks from her own experience of living with the complex and rare medical condition ASP1 (Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 1). Before heading to congress Julia shared her story with The York School community. On Tuesday, February 28th, we recognized Rare Disease Day which honours the experience of those people living with rare and often hidden conditions. Julia led a 'Jeans for Genes' Casual Day which helped raised funds and awareness for this cause and at assembly Julia demonstrated the learner profile attributes of being a strong communicator and a risk taker as she confidently and candidly addressed the whole Middle and Senior School community. She shared her personal story of being 1 in 2 million diagnosed with ASP1.

Jennifer Orange, Julia’s mother, also spoke and described how she had created a support network and foundation for families affected by APS1. Our final speaker was Barbara Neilson a social worker from Sick Kids Hospital who explained how we can best understand and support people who are faced with hidden physical challenges. The York School is dedicated to fostering empathy and compassion in our students as they take action to help others.

The York School's theme of the month for February was Citizenship. As engaged citizens, we must be constantly asking ourselves what we can do to make a difference in our community. Thank you to Julia for leading this important initiative.

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About the York School

The York School is a gender-inclusive JK to Grade 12 independent school located in the heart of Toronto. The York School was founded in 1965 and is the first English speaking school in Canada accredited to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) from junior kindergarten (JK) to university entrance. As an IB World School, The York School's motto is Experience Teaches.