Ken Morton

Ken Morton: Volunteer

It's so difficult to describe in words what Muscular Dystrophy Association Summer Camp is. At the very basis it is a week dedicated to the care and entertainment of children and teenagers with neuromuscular diseases - that manifests itself in many forms and complications. At the core of MDA Summer Camp is feeling.

Several years ago, at one particular MDA Summer Camp, we were on a bus ride within our camp groups to one of many destinations that week. I was standing next to a young Bret Pilaar. We were all talking about the activities and experiences of the week thus far. Bret was asked what his favorite part of camp was so far. Bret coyly replied, "McKehl", not aware that she was standing right behind him. MeKehl leaned her head around next to his and looked at him eye to eye. Bret couldn't have been more floored that she had been standing right there. Amidst his baffled reaction she leaned closer and gave him a big kiss on his cheek. Instantly his cheek became the same color as his lips and soon his whole face became beet red. His dropped open mouth quickly turned to a smile. Bret always remembered this moment and would blush any time it was brought up. It was maybe the first of the multitude of kissed he would receive over the years. He was a magnet for a girl's affection. Looking back I cannot recall Bret's face without a smile.

Bret's personal caption." I'm blushing here."

Moments like this become one of a million that happen during the week of MDA Summer Camp. While I can't begin to describe or put a list together of what Bret and the others have taught me and the ways they have influenced me, it becomes simply stated but deeply complicated that these amazing individuals soften your soul.

MDA Summer Camp is something that is put together by the Muscular Dystrophy Association using donations from individuals, families, and corporations. These diseases that are Muscular Dystrophy are seriously debilitating and terminal, for some at a very young age. Those living with the disease do not get the same length of time or opportunity that others get to build life experiences and memories. The large majority of time and monetary donations are allocated to research and development for treatments and cures for these diseases. Time and money also make it possible for these wonderful young ones to concentrate amazing moments into a week of their lives. They will always exponentially give back more than is given. It is incredible. To all my friends in the MDA family, I love you. Bret you are missed but your influence has been unimaginable.