WLFI, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and many other organizations are gearing up for the annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon. In the weeks before the fundraiser, we want to introduce you to some families who depend on the MDA.I met Nicholas Blackford and his family this week. Nicholas is 11 years old and lives in Crawfordsville. Before his 8th birthday, Nicholas' parents took him to the doctor because they noticed he was having trouble climbing and getting in and out of cars. A test revealed he had Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy. There is no cure. His mother, Tabatha, said doctors expect Nicholas to need his wheelchair all the time when he is in his early teens. He just uses the wheelchair now when he gets tired or to get from class to class. The disease could take his life in his 20's.
The MDA has sent Nicholas to camp the last few years. He enjoyed telling me about tee peeing the cabins. Donations made during the telethon help send children, like Nicholas, to camp. It's a great experience for the children. They get to take part in fun activities with kids who all have neuromuscular diseases.
We hope you'll be watching the telethon August 31st and September 1st and consider making a donation.
