MDA's Pinup & Roundup Campaigns Kick Off Across the Nation to Support Summer Camp for Kids and Young Adults Living with Neuromuscular Diseases
May 20 2024 - 9:15AM
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) announced today the launch
of its annual MDA Summer Camp retail fundraising campaign, in
collaboration with over 1,000 retail partner locations nationwide.
From now through September, customers can participate in pinup and
roundup campaigns at partnering stores including: Alaska Commercial
Company (The NorthWest Company), Albertsons Companies Foundation,
American Furniture Warehouse, BurgerWorks – Whataburger, Circle K,
Food Depot, Gordon Foods, Graham C-Stores, Grahams Enterprises,
Green Valley Grocery, Harps Food Store, Marden’s Surplus, Pete’s
Market, SavOn Convenience Stores, Stine Home + Yard, Vallarta
Supermarkets, Walgreens. To learn more about this campaign and to
participate visit https://bit.ly/SummerRetail2024.
The funds raised go towards crucial support for MDA Summer Camp,
offering transformative experiences for kids and young adults aged
8-17 who are living with muscular dystrophy or related
neuromuscular diseases. Campers attend at no cost to their family.
Additionally, funds from this campaign go towards accelerating
research, advancing care, and advocating for families living with
neuromuscular diseases.
“I’m so grateful to all the partners who support MDA Summer Camp
each year. My favorite part is going back and seeing my friends and
having a marvelous time. MDA Summer Camp has impacted me in so many
ways, it’s made me see how independent I can be, and it has given
me more confidence in myself – including being proud of who I am
and not to be ashamed of my disability,” said Leah Zelaya, MDA
National Ambassador. Watch Leah’s video here.
MDA Summer Camp will be held in 23 locations as well as
virtually. The hybrid model means that any child in the United
States living with a neuromuscular disease can still participate.
Registration is open for campers and volunteers here.
“When kids attend summer camp, they gain independence, learn to
accept, and direct personal care from someone other than their
typical caregivers, try new things and build confidence, and spend
time with peers who understand what it’s like to live with a
neuromuscular disease.” said Alicia Dobosz, Vice President,
Community Engagement, MDA. "It’s such a unique and
life-changing program people look forward to. Camp truly gives
campers a community of support for life."
MDA Summer Camp offers campers a week-long, unforgettable
adventure filled with activities like swimming, zip-lining, sports,
games, and cabin time with friends. Beyond the fun, campers gain
invaluable life skills, forge lifelong friendships, and develop
greater self-esteem and confidence. The camp experience fosters
independence as campers learn to receive care away from home and
build connections with peers who live with similar diagnoses.
MDA also offers an online program that brings the magic of camp
to families virtually. Through daily Cabin Chat video calls, themed
activities, and supply boxes sent to participants, virtual MDA
Summer Camp ensures that campers can join in the fun from anywhere
in the country. Virtual MDA Summer Camp provides a meaningful and
accessible experience to campers wherever they are. Both in-person
and virtual summer camp options are provided at no cost to MDA
families.
Tracy Denton, Senior Vice President, Development
Partnerships, MDA, emphasized the significance of these
partnerships in providing opportunities for children and young
adults living with neuromuscular diseases to simply enjoy childhood
while building a foundation for a bright future. "The MDA Summer
Camp experience not only creates future leaders and advocates for
inclusion but also serves as a beacon of hope for families facing
challenges. MDA Summer Camp has been offered to kids and young
adults living with neuromuscular diseases since 1955. With advances
in treatment and care, including over 20 FDA approved treatments
for neuromuscular diseases, this is only the beginning of an
empowered life ahead for campers.”
As the camp season approaches, MDA is actively recruiting
volunteers, particularly camp counselors, to ensure that every
camper can experience the ‘best week of the year.’ Volunteers must
be over the age of 18. For more information on volunteer
opportunities or to apply, visit the MDA website here. Watch
MDA's Summer Camp volunteer video here.
Reflecting on the experience as a volunteer counselor at MDA
Summer Camp, a camp counselor at the Illinois camp shared,
“Camp is pure magic. If you've been once, it's the easiest decision
in the world to return year after year.”
About Muscular Dystrophy AssociationMuscular Dystrophy
Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in
the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS,
and related neuromuscular diseases. For over 70 years, MDA has led
the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating
for the support of our families. MDA's mission is to empower the
people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. To learn
more visit mda.org and follow MDA
on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn,
and YouTube.
- Your Donation Make Summer Camp Possible
Mary Fiance, Vice President, Strategic Communications
Muscular Dystrophy Association
press@mdausa.org