news-record.com

A group of N.C. children with muscular dystrophy will stay for a week this month at Camp Carefree in Stokesdale as part of the Muscular Dystrophy Association's annual summer camp.

The event, which was expanded last year to two week-long camps to accommodate growing numbers of children wanting to attend, is funded through donations to the association.

"They get to come to camp and be a kid, go horseback riding and swimming," said Jenny Greene, health care service coordinator for the Raleigh MDA office.

Camp Carefree provides free space for the camps, which is planned by the Raleigh, Greensboro and Wilmington MDA offices.

One of the major sponsors of the event is Boddie Noell Enterprises , a restaurant franchise and land development company based in Rocky Mount.

Greene said company-wide, Boddie Noell has contributed more than $300,000 over the past year.

In recognition, company representatives will be on hand at the camp on Aug. 4 to provide lunch and participate with the campers in various activities, including a fishing tournament and marshmallow relay.

Greene emphasized the importance of camp such as this for children with neuromuscular diseases. Greene said she tells children about the camp when they come to clinics at Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill.

"Being kids with disabilities, they are limited with the amount of things they are able to do," she said. "We provide modified activities which are the exact same things other kids do ... (they) don't have to be embarrassed by what they're going through."

To make a donation to MDA, contact Greene at jgreene@mdausa.org or call (919) 783-0222.

Contact Kavita Pillai at 373-7157 or kavita.pillai@news-record.com