Serei Panh

Serei Panh: Camper & Volunteer

I had the opportunity to participate in the MDA summer camp both as a participant and a volunteer. As a participant, it was truly a place where I don't have to deal with things I go through everyday. I don't have to explain to people about my visible limp nor about the challenge of climbing stairs. I don't get strange looks when I trip or fall. In a way, it was a week where I felt like my disability had magically disappeared. I could really say that it helped me deal with the emotional side of things much better and have a much more positive outlook on life. I was more willing to go on adventures and explore what life has to offer before I'm in a position where I can't anymore.

But the best thing about camp is perhaps all the wonderful people you meet and interact with. As a volunteer, I met some amazing people. Hearing stories about how they get involved with MDA is quite an enlightening experience. People that donate their time to helping someone like myself are just really really good human beings. I've met some of the same folks at the National Ability Center and it's the human connection factor (a Dexter reference) that makes these experiences life changing. Anyway, I can't do justice about how wonderful this program is through words. You just have to experience it for yourself. If you are on the fence about getting involved, you just have to take a leap of faith and do it.