Recently, four of our brothers volunteered their time at the MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) Summer Camp at Calvin Crest in Fremont, Nebraska. The camp, put on by the Nebraska Muscular Dystrophy Association is hosted at no cost to the families. Trevor Daubert, Corey Johnson, Jose Ortega, and Agustin Ruvalcaba were the brothers that were able to attend and volunteer for the camp. They assisted campers with activities at the camp such as zip lining, swimming, dancing, and even a water fight which the local fire department and police department participated in. The campers are also taught valuable life skills at the week long event. Volunteers assist campers with day to day activities such as pushing wheelchairs or simply helping them out with anything they need throughout the day at camp. The volunteers include trained health professionals who are able to meet the physical, emotional, and medical needs of all of the children attending. Campers build close bonds throughout the week becoming lifelong friends with each other as well as the volunteers and counselors in attendance. Kids that attend the camp gain a greater sense of independence while away from their primary care giver, while simultaneously developing stronger self-esteem and self confidence being around others their age facing similar situations and challenges.

                Muscular dystrophy is a blanket term for a group of diseases that cause progressive muscle weakness and muscle loss. It can appear anytime from infancy to adulthood depending on the type of disease. The types of muscular dystrophy also vary on which areas of the body they affect. Cases range from mild cases that worsen slowly over time to more severe cases that can be disabling. Something that all types of muscular dystrophy have in common though is that they are progressive and get worse as the patient’s muscles degrade. As of 2019 there is no known cure for any forms of muscular dystrophy however treatments and therapies can slow the disease down as well as prevent other health complications. Physical therapy, speech therapy, orthopedic devices, surgery, and medications are among the treatments for MD.