I have a dream:

There are magical places where people with muscular dystrophy, a progressive and often fatal genetic disease which limits their ability to walk, talk and play, get to be just like any other person. For one week every summer, thousands of these special individuals get that opportunity thanks to organizations like the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and The Jett Foundation, which operates Camp Promise East (CPE).

So, who are these people, anyway? GREAT QUESTION!

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

The Jett Foundation, located in Kingston, MA, has worked to find treatments and a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) while improving the lives of those affected by DMD since 2001. Over the past decade, the Jett Foundation has raised almost 2 million dollars for Duchenne research. The foundation currently funds the Jett Program for Pediatric Neuromuscular Disorders (JPPND) at Mass General Hospital for Children (MGHfC). The Jett Foundation provides resources for treatments and adaptive activities as we work toward a cure and treatments for Duchenne. Additionally, the foundation provides advocacy services for families affected by Duchenne.

Camp Promise East was created to provide a summer camp experience for campers of all ages with Neuromuscular Disorders. Camp Promise is the brainchild of several families of children and adults with muscular dystrophy in the New England area who were inspired to hold their own camp in response to a lack of camp options for their children in 2009 during the H1N1 Flu Outbreak. A similar group has formed in Washington and we're proud to partner with Camp Promise.

Combined, MDA Camp in Spring Valley, NY and Camp Promise East in Hebron, CT plays host to more than 80 campers every year in fully accessible, fully supervised environments that is free of charge to the families of those affected. Barriers are broken and lasting friendships are made.

From playing basketball, baseball and soccer, swimming, fishing, canoe and horse riding, to crafts, cookouts and talent shows, our summer campers do it all. At camp the word "disability" gets thrown out.

There's something for everyone regardless of ability level. Dedicated staff and counselors make sure all activities are accessible and safe, so campers can dive in and participate and experience what many of them call "the best week of the summer".

Since 2005, we have been able to send over 135 children to MDA Summer Camp, raising over $107,833 from family, friends, classmates and the community.

In 2012, our goal is to send as many people as possible to MDA Camp in New York and Camp Promise in Connecticut.

But I need your help to make this dream a reality.

Ready to change someone's life?

Then join me by clicking here to donate now, or on the DONATE tab at the top of the page.

Thank you!