Southeastern Principal David Wheeler to spend time in “Lock-up” for MDA

If you happen to be near the main office on May 2nd, and you see Principal David Wheeler being hauled off in hand-cuffs, it’s not a hallucination.  It’s also not something to panic over, because his biggest offense is having compassion.  

Mr. Wheeler is one of about 50 people recruited to be in a “lock-up” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).  The participants, who are mostly from organizations and businesses in Stoughton, Canton, and Sharon, will be spending about an hour at the Town Spa, in Stoughton, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  They all hope to raise money for MDA, by asking donors to contribute to their bail.  

Mr. Wheeler hopes to raise $2,400, which could send three children to summer camp.  People can contribute through the school website or at the Town Spa, and as of Thursday afternoon (April 26), he had raised $720. 

The participants were all nominated by anonymous community members, who felt that the candidates had “big hearts,” said Melanie Britto, an MDA spokesperson.  She said this is the second time the local MDA chapter has tried this event at the Town Spa, with the first time being a big success. People are encouraged to visit during the lock-up, and it they haven’t contributed, they can do it right at the restaurant.  Mr. Wheeler should be there from 10 to 11 a.m.  

Mr. Wheeler said he’s not quite sure what to expect, but he’s happy to help.  He said he considers Muscular Dystrophy to be a devastating disease, and he was personally touched by a former student, Jeff Delgado, who suffered from the disease.    Unfortunately, that young man has passed away.  

“He was a wonderful person and I learned so much from him,” he said.

Two current students at Southeastern also have the disease, and he would like to help them in any way possible.

The MDA chapter (in Raynham) hopes to raise $20,000 through the event, and some people have already raised more than $1,000. With just a few days left until jail time, people are encouraged to give any contribution, big or small.  

The MDA organizes and raises funds to help those affected by more than 40 neuromuscular diseases.  About 77 percent of every dollar MDA spends goes directly to research, services and education.  Last year, MDA spent more than $8 million for research in Massachusetts alone.   It also provides services such as clinic visits, flu shots, summer camps, occupational and physical therapy consultations, support groups and medical equipment repairs.