MDA SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR 2003 SUMMER CAMP

TUCSON, Ariz., Nov. 19, 2002 — The Muscular Dystrophy Association is accepting applications to fill volunteer positions as MDA summer camp counselors. This year's camps will be held throughout the summer at more than 70 locations across the country.

Camp counselors must be at least 16 years old, and must be physically able to lift a child. Each counselor is assigned to serve as a companion for a camper — a young person between ages 6 and 21 who's affected by a neuromuscular disease. Counselors help their campers with daily activities such as feeding, bathing and dressing, and in recreational activities such as arts and crafts, swimming and horseback riding.

"For kids with progressive neuromuscular diseases, MDA summer camp is the high point of the year," MDA President & CEO Robert Ross said. "Our campers enjoy a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities that are especially adapted to their abilities. MDA summer camp also creates an atmosphere in which having a neuromuscular disease is the norm, not the exception."

Now in its 48th year, the MDA summer camp program is expected to include more than 4,000 campers nationwide. MDA offers camp free of charge to families served by MDA.

MDA is a voluntary health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for more than 40 neuromuscular diseases affecting more than a million Americans.

To obtain a volunteer application or learn about other ways to support MDA's summer camp program, call the MDA office nearest you or call MDA national headquarters at (800) 572-1717. Information about MDA's programs can be found at www.mda.org.