Fourteen year-old Brandon Eagleson and 18 year-old Trevor Eagleson attended the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s (MDA’s) annual summer camp, themed “Every Day is a Holiday,” July 8 through July 13. The Eaglesons are among 21 children and young adults with neuromuscular diseases from Georgia and Florida who were at Cape San Blas at William J. Rish Park in Port St. Joe, Fla.

The camp experience gives campers, ages 6 to 21, the chance to make friends, take part in various indoor and outdoor activities, and break down barriers caused by their neuromuscular diseases. Twenty-four volunteer camp counselors, known as “partners,” focused their energies on assisting with activities and enriching the camping experience for the campers.

There is no charge for attending summer camp. The $650 fee for each camper is paid for entirely by generous support from national and local corporations, groups and individuals who raise funds to support the mission of MDA.

Founded in 1950, MDA is a voluntary health organization dedicated to finding a cure for more than 40 neuromuscular diseases. MDA funds research worldwide, including efforts at University of Georgia, Emory University, Medical College of Georgia, University of Florida, Jacksonville’s Mayo Clinic, and University of Miami.

In addition, MDA operates 230 hospital-affiliated clinics across the country, including facilities in Atlanta, Warm Springs, and Augusta. Free services for those diagnosed with muscular dystrophy include physical, occupational and respiratory therapy, genetic counseling and testing, social services consultation and year-round patient care. For more info, visit www.mdausa.org.