BIDDEFORD — Inspiring, courageous and enthusiastic are just a few of the words used to describe Matthew Denger, 20, who died Monday of heart failure.
The Biddeford resident, who graduated from Biddeford High School in 2011 and was a sophomore at the University of New England, had Duchenne muscular dystrophy, or DMD. As a result of the disease, he had used a wheelchair to get around since the age of 8.
On Tuesday, the Biddeford School Committee held a moment of silence in Denger’s honor because of the many lives he touched in Biddeford, especially in the city’s school district.
Denger first made news as a young boy, when in 2000, his parents filed a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission after St. James School in Biddeford refused to allow the boy to enter second grade because of his disability.
A private group raised funds to be used for the installation of a wheelchair lift so Denger could remain at the school, but then-principal Marie Klement refused to allow the group to install the ramp.
In December 2001, The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland reached a settlement with the family that resulted in the adoption of a nondiscrimination policy, and an agreement to pay an undisclosed sum to the Denger family, install a wheelchair lift and create a handicapped-accessible restroom at St. James School.
According to those who knew Denger, his disability didn’t slow him down.
He participated in a number of activities at Biddeford High School, including National Honor Society, Natural Helpers, student council, mock trial club and the chamber chorus.
“Matthew was a courageous, outgoing, thoughtful, wonderful young man,” said BHS Principal Britton Wolfe. “It takes a lot of courage to live with a disease like DMD.
“To stay positive and be as involved as Matthew was really an inspiration for all of us.”
Denger was also a member of the Tri-City Chorus. At the University of New England, he was a member of the TABS choral group, the activities programming board and the orientation team.
“He was just an incredible person,” said UNE Associate Director for Student Involvement Tim St. John, who worked with Denger when he was a member of the orientation team.
“He was genuine, selfless, caring, compassionate and he was funny,” said St. John.
On Tuesday at the Campus Center, the university held a service to remember Denger and celebrate his life, said St. John. The administrator said many attended the event and spoke about Denger.
“It’s clear Matt had an impact on UNE,” said St. John.
Denger also volunteered for U.S. Sen. Susan Collins for five years in her Biddeford office.
“Matthew accomplished so much in his young life,” said Collins in a prepared statement. “Because of his dedication and enthusiasm, we have made considerable progress in the fight against Duchenne and other forms of muscular dystrophy.
“His work for this important cause ignited his passion for politics, so much so that he became a volunteer in my York County office for many years so that he could continue to help others,” said Collins. “He did so always with a bright smile on his face.”
Collins said the disease did not define Denger, and “he lived his life to the absolute fullest.
“I will miss him dearly, but I will never forget him and will continue to be a champion for this cause for which he fought so hard.”
While Denger was described as a quiet person, his personal blog showed that he had a lot to say.
In his blog post, “My Inspiration for Pursuing Dreams,” dated Nov. 10, 2012, Denger wrote, “I always run into people who say they are inspired by me. I am glad people look to me and see me doing things I enjoy. They see it as, ”˜if he can do it, I can do.’ That is what I am trying to show people.
“Just because someone has a disability does not make them unable to do what they enjoy. The people who are inspired by me actually inspire me. I see them achieving their goals and it makes me happy to know people are out there doing things they know they can do. I know that I also can achieve my dreams. Those inspired by me give me a reason to continue what I started.”
A funeral Mass for Denger is planned for Saturday. His full obituary is published today on page A5.
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.
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