3rd Annual MDA Stride & Ride Fundraiser in Forest Park

 
Dear Friends,  
June 13, 2004 is the Stride and Ride fundraiser (formerly the Great Walk) for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Forest Park, Springfield, MA.  There are over 40 types of Muscular Dystrophy supported by the MDA and people all over the world struggle with these neuromuscular diseases.  Many of you have contributed to TEAM LAURA in the Great Walk in past years.  The Stride and Ride event is basically the same but I want to make it so much bigger and more fun!  That means more walkers and of course all of those donations from friends and family.   

The MDA appreciates your support and has made a lot of progress in helping people in need as well as supporting research to find a cure.  I became the MDA Goodwill Ambassador last summer and have participated in many fundraising events for the MDA.  I have the opportunity to speak to hundreds of people about living with a neuromuscular disease and what the MDA does.  Donations to the MDA fund research to determine why people get muscular diseases and find methods to cure them.  The MDA also uses the funds to provide services such as health examinations, provide medical supplies, and camps for kids suffering from different forms of the disease.   One of my favorite events was the MDA “Lock-Up” in December because many of my classmates contributed and helped to raise over $23,000 for the MDA.    

Last year “TEAM LAURA” raised over $16000 of the $22000 in donations contributed toward the Walk.  I have had so much help from friends and family in the past and I’m really excited this year because I know there will be new walkers!  Every person who  contributes learns more about neuromuscular diseases and how the MDA supports those of us who are affected by them. I raise awareness and support for the MDA as the “Good Will Ambassador” for Western Massachusetts. So I’ll tell you a little about me…

 When I was going into the 6^th grade I was diagnosed with a recessive, genetic neuromuscular disease called Friedreich’s Ataxia. For the first couple of years I didn’t really know my diagnosis and wasn’t very aware of how my disease was affecting me.  I continued with many of my favorite activities such as dancing and gymnastics and I tried to ignore my developing awkwardness.  When I was about thirteen, I realized that it was getting harder to walk without holding on to things or bumping into my friends.  I could hold myself up but I lost the ability to dance or be a gymnast, something I had been enjoying for the past eight years.  My first year of high school was really hard for me…and everyone else.  I was confused and upset, as were many of my friends – kids I had known from the 1st grade didn’t know what to say or do.

I really don’t know how it started, but my parents got me involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  I learned more about neuromuscular diseases that affect so many people, and I wanted to help.  My outlook on life became much more positive. I wanted to talk about my disease and I wanted everyone to be aware of how much people struggle with Muscular Dystrophy.  I started caring more about others and less and less about how I was looked at.

Last April, I trained with my assistance dog, Munroe. He comes to Longmeadow High School with me every day. I attended MDA camp for my first time with Munroe last June. I had so much fun and I met so many really sweet people!  For the first time in the past few years I felt normal. Although your donations to the MDA may not buy an immediate cure, it gives kids who are physically disabled with Muscular Dystrophy the chance to go to camp.   

I was babysitting last October when I suddenly felt my heart racing and I could not stay awake.  My parents took me to the hospital where I found out that I was in atrial fibrillation (my heart rate really sped up).  My racing heart was a consequence of my neuromuscular disease.  I spent three days in the pediatric intensive care unit at the hospital.  After I got out I discovered that I could barely walk anymore, and I started using a wheelchair at school every day.  The MDA helped pay for the wheelchair beyond what was covered by my parents insurance.   I did notice that I now had a lot more independence.  I could go to the mall with my friends and I could get around school by myself!  I’m also much more approachable by people at school with Munroe and my wheelchair.

I met so many beautiful and caring kids at MDA camp.  Unlike me, many never got the chance to be children.  They always had lives full of doctors appointments, while I was learning to cartwheel on a balance beam!  I want to find a cure for Muscular Dystrophy for myself and my friends… I just need a little help from you!

Love,  
Laura Beth Jacquin

If you have any questions about anything you can call my house: 413-567-0785 or email me: laurab87127@yahoo.com.  Donations can be made out to the MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association), or MDA-Seek-A-Miracle to support research to cure Friedreich’s Ataxia.