(BUFFALO, N.Y.) – Jean Marie Dragonette will walk across the stage at Kleinhan’s Music Hall on June 23, 2005 along with the rest of the Grand Island High School graduating class and receive her diploma. But for Jean it will be an extraordinary effort that almost didn’t happen.

Jean suffers from a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy and has since she was born. Subsequently she developed scoliosis. The scoliosis has resulted in compromised breathing and mobility for the 19 year old. She spends much of her time on a respirator. She currently lives at the Deaconess Center on Humboldt Parkway in the City of Buffalo.

Doctors told her the only way she would be able to attend her graduation would be to have an Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance crew with her the entire time. Rural/Metro Medical Services is donating this service to Jean.

“It is a tremendous honor to be able to do something like this for Jean. No child should miss their graduation from high school because of a health concern and we are proud to help her achieve this milestone in her life,” says Rob Zachrich, General Manager of Rural/Metro Medical Services.

This 65-foot walk is easy for most people but it has taken hours of physical therapy at the Deaconess Center for Jean.

“This is a dream come true for Jean. She didn’t learn to walk until she was seven and now she will walk across the stage to accept her high school diploma”, said Kimberly Dragonette, Jean’s mom. “She has come so far and we are very proud of our daughter.”