My first MDA summer camp began in 2009, two weeks after my niece Maddi was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (one of the 42 Muscular Dystrophy diseases). That first year will stay with me as one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I had no idea what to expect since I was still trying to understand the disease she was diagnosed with. It is hard to explain in words all I felt but I can tell you it has changed me forever. Seeing all those people giving up part of their summer vacation to help kids who need so much physical help was eye-opening. The love and kindness displayed to someone most had never met was awe-inspiring. It gave me hope that our world will become a better place. I love that the wheelchairs, braces, and special shoes and equipment just melted into the background and all you could see were some amazing kids who just want to be like everyone else. Everyone is family at camp. I know that if I wasn't there to help Maddi, dozens of others would be there to help with anything she needed. Maddi has made some life-long friends as well and that makes me happy. The last few years at Camp Roger have been great too. The bonding time spent in the cabins has been great for us all. I'm the least girly girl I know, but that week at camp I let the girls do my makeup and paint my nails. We have a great time. I'm always amazed at how much these kids can accomplish and how much their independence means to them. I'm glad that Maddi wants me to come with her until she is too old so it looks like I have at least 5 more years of experiencing my favorite week of the year. I have 2 favorite memories that stand out over the years. One is Maddi dancing with Matt last year. It was so adorable and he was so sweet with her. I'll never forget it. The other was 2 years ago. A little 7 year old boy in my group was at his first camp. His uncle came with him and he stayed pretty close to him for most of camp. On the last night we were in our groups talking about our favorite part of camp. His little eyes teared up and he was so emotional while saying it was the best time of his life. It has been great to see the kids grow over the years. I love them all and the volunteers are pretty amazing too. I can't wait to go 'back to summer camp, happy land. I'm gonna catch the spirit if I can'.
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