A Letter From The Founder

Monday, December 5, 2011

So, James! Why have you decided to add fundraising for the Jett Foundation's Camp Promise East to your already full philanthropic schedule? What's going to happen to MDA and the Shamrocks? How will you ensure both camps receive funding? I'm glad you asked. Here's why, and what's going to happen.

To put it simply, I wanted to reach more people with the disease. What led me to pick Camp Promise was that not only did it operate in my home state of Connecticut, but it also serviced teens, young adults, and even adults living with the disease. That's actually a positive, because it means all those years of watching Jerry Lewis and the MDA Telethon have led to these special people living longer. Of course, all of us dream for the day when doctors will say that all the people serviced will have a normal life expectancy. I have always believed, however, that camp is an "inner cure". To unselfishly bring happiness to another human being regardless of the situation is the greatest gift any one of us can sacrifice.

Everything will be the same. The Pepsi Grant I won in August, 2011 for MDA Camp WILL GO to MDA Camp. Shamrocks will continue for MDA every February and March. To ensure that the Jett Foundation gets significant funding, I will be holding special events for them year round in addition to receiving public and private support for them like I always have for MDA.

Barring a cure, which will only come in a matter of time with scientific advances, my goal is to become one of the leading fundraisers for children and adults with neuromuscular diseases in the world. Now, I'm not going to be Jerry Lewis, although I can do a wonderful imitation of my idol. However, I can and will become my own person, one that carries Jerry's vision of a world without muscular dystrophy forever, and one that will work tirelessly to better the lives of those who are affected by this dreadful disease.

I am ready to start this new phase of my journey and hopefully bring worldwide attention to these diseases. Anyone want to join me?

Warm regards,

James Lacerenza

Founder ConnectiKids Summer Camp Fund

MDA / Jett Foundation Volunteer Fundraiser