MDA Cancels 47 Summer Camps for Jerry's Kids
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has canceled 47 of 80 summer camp dates after some campers were diagnosed with swine flu. More than 1,800 children have already attended the first 33 camps across the country.
"These children are much more vulnerable because of their weakened respiratory muscles, so we are taking this preemptive action to protect them from possible exposure to the swine flu," said Dr. Valerie Cwik, MDA medical director, in a press release.
Children were diagnosed with swine flu after they returned home from MDA camps in three states. There are 10 confirmed cases in kids who attended camp in Minnesota, one from Utah and six suspected cases from the Pennsylvania camp.
One child who attended camp in Pennsylvania has been hospitalized. Another from the Utah camp was hospitalized but has now been released.
MDA's cancellation announcement affects about 2,500 children. Many were supposed to start camp this week.
While no one wants to see disappointment in their children's eyes, it's important to remember these parents can't just pick another camp for their children. People work all year long to send Jerry's Kids to camp without any cost to the families. Most MDA summer camp locations assign one counselor per child, design activities specifically for children with limited mobility and have on-site medical teams who are trained to take care of each child's specific needs.
These are some of the many valuable lessons I took away from an MDA conference for the media a few years ago. The three-day briefing had a major impact on my life that I will never forget.
Hearing Jerry Lewis talk about muscular dystrophy disorders and how the children have touched his life over the years was very moving. Some of Jerry's Kids took to the stage to share their amazing spirit, determination and beautiful laughter with hundreds of journalists from all over the U.S.
I learned through these children just how important camp is to them. Many said MDA's summer camp is their week to be like every other kid.
They're among other children with neuromuscular diseases, many in wheelchairs or using braces to walk. They're among friends who understand their struggles and counselors who they look forward to seeing year after year.
MDA even promotes the camp as a short break for moms, dads and other caregivers. Parents know their kids are in good hands while getting some much-needed rest one week out of the year. The disappointment for the thousands of children who were ready to go to camp must be a heavy weight on those families today.
This outbreak reminds us that, just because it's not on the news every day, swine flu is still a concern for families.
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