Going weak in the knees because of that perfect first kiss is a dream. Going weak in the knees as a result of muscular dystrophy is a nightmare—but it doesn’t have to end a child’s dreams.
On Oct. 6, Central Coast volunteers, including Sun Managing Editor Amy Asman, will be arrested and taken to jail—in this case, Stinky’s Bar and Grill in Santa Maria—where they’ll have to raise bail for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s annual lock-up fundraiser.
Proceeds from the event will go toward helping families affected by muscular dystrophy through free support groups, clinic visits, and a week-long summer camp.
Muscular dystrophy is a rare disease, and it can be difficult to find a neurologist who specializes in treating it. Since it shares symptoms with many other afflictions, obtaining a proper diagnosis with a general neurologist can take years.
The week-long summer camp allows kids ages 6 through 17 who have been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy to do things they wouldn’t normally be able to do.
“The summer camp just sounds so awesome,” said Asman, who grew up camping, hiking, riding horses, and generally being outdoors. “I want kids who have disabilities to be able to do those things, too. Nature is just so healing.”
Asman is one of the jailbirds attempting to raise bail, which is set at $800 per person. She’s part of a mob of mock crooks who will be detained on Oct. 6. Many are repeat offenders, including last year’s top fundraiser, ABC Supply’s Bob Vidal, who last year collected enough money to send four kids to camp.
“”I kind of enjoy doing it,” said Vidal, who’s been participating off and on for five years.
While many like Asman will set up donation web pages, Vidal goes old school. He makes a list and proactively contacts his vendors and customers. But Asman’s no slouch when it comes to fundraising, either. She has been part of the MDA’s Fill-the-Boot fundraiser, spending grueling hours in the Atascadero heat filling a boot with spare change.
“Those boots were heavy,” Asman recalled.
Whether it’s old-fashioned or new-age fundraising, it all goes to a good cause. The MDA is fighting against diseases that are debilitating or even fatal, and predominantly assail children. Since Santa Maria resident Anthony Diaz was diagnosed with Dechenne Muscular Dystrophy, his family has been facing a long, sad road. But they are not alone.
“It gives us courage and strength to know there’s a family, an MDA family,” Anthony’s grandmother Ana Widling said. Help Asman and Vidal combat the disease. Visit Asman’s donation page at joinmda.org/santamaria2011/MyLockup/MyHomepage/tabid/241143/Participant/amyasman/bfimp/true/Default.aspx.
Intern Michael McCone compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Sep 29 – Oct 6, 2011.