MDA TO KICK-OFF ANNUAL SUMMER CAMP AT CAMP CHALLENGE

This year, more than 45 children and young adults from Orlando and surrounding areas, with neuromuscular disorders will participate in a weeklong summer camp held at the Easter Seals Camp Challenge in Sorrento, Fla.

The camp experience gives participants, ages 6 to 21, the chance to make friends, to participate in various indoor/outdoor activities and to shatter barriers caused by their neuromuscular disease.

Volunteer “partners” will accompany and care for the campers throughout the week, helping them to enjoy their summer camp experience.

This year’s camp theme is, “Every Day is a Holiday at MDA Camp,” where each day of camp has a specific holiday. Events during each day consequently relate to that specific holiday. From a pool party, a dance and a casino night, to a race car derby, trick-or-treating, and an egg hunt, all activities are suited to the campers’ special needs in order to create an unforgettable summer experience.

There is no cost to families of campers who attend summer camp. The $600 per camper fee is covered entirely by generous support from national and local corporations, groups and individuals that raise funds to support MDA’s mission.

Founded in 1950, the Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health organization dedicated to finding a cure for more than 40 neuromuscular diseases. MDA funds research worldwide including current projects at the University of Florida, Jacksonville’s Mayo Clinic and at the University of Miami.

In addition, MDA operates 230 hospital-affiliated clinics across the country. Orlando clinics are located at Nemours Children’s Clinic and at the Regional Lucerne Hospital. Free services for those diagnosed with one of the neuromuscular diseases include physical, occupational and respiratory therapy, genetic counseling and testing, social services consultation and year-round patient care.

For more information about summer camp, MDA or to set up an interview with a local camp participant, please contact Kelli Skodinski or Jamie Helton.

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