Seeing past disabilities

MDA summer camp is not just another camp. More than 50 children and adolescents ages 6-21 that have Muscular Dystrophy gathered at Nevada 4-H Camp in North Lake Tahoe to participate in talent shows, play kickball and even attend a Western hoe-down. The theme of this year's camp was Route 66.

For the dozens of children living with neuromuscular diseases in Nevada, this was a week when hardships were forgotten. Leg braces, surgery and fitting in with other children at school took back seat to the new friendships made and the variety of specialized events they were able to participate in.

This weeklong camping experience is cost free for children and their families affected by muscle disease. Funds raised by MDA in events such as the annual Jerry Lewis Telethon help generate the funds required to send the kids to camp.

Please remember these campers this coming Labor Day weekend when our famous national chairman, Jerry Lewis, will be asking you for donations during the one-and-only MDA Telethon.

• Submitted by Jenelle Allen, regional public affairs coordinator for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.