13 News Blog
Friday June 26, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Swine Flu and MDA- by Len Stevens
I was so saddened to hear the news. No more MDA summer camps this year, knocked out by Swine Flu. The news stings because I know how much the kids look forward to the camp. For them, it's invaluable time - time away from home and time among really good friends. The activities - everything from swimming, to fishing, to horseback riding, to talent shows - allow the kids to do things they otherwise wouldn't be able to do. They also let them forget, for at least a little while, that they have a neuromuscular disease.
But all that fun comes with a risk. People with MD are much more vulnerable to illnesses, like influenza - and now, the H1N1 virus, because of their weakened respriatory muscles. (That's why, during the MDA Telethon, you'll often see us raising money specifically for flu shots. They are so very important for Jerry's Kids.) And at camps this year, 11 cases of Swine Flu were reported in children - after they left the camp. That's scary. Everyone wants every child to have the best summer possible. We just don't want them to get sick.
Volunteering for an organization like MDA is emotional, but so rewarding. Sadly, we're all going to miss out on camp this year. For me, that means a lot more time will pass before I get to see some of my friends again. Hopefully, this swine flu threat goes away - quickly. In the meantime, I hope you'll watch the Labor Day MDA telethon and consider donating - to give a little boy or girl a flu shot, and a better chance to forget about MD for a while.
But all that fun comes with a risk. People with MD are much more vulnerable to illnesses, like influenza - and now, the H1N1 virus, because of their weakened respriatory muscles. (That's why, during the MDA Telethon, you'll often see us raising money specifically for flu shots. They are so very important for Jerry's Kids.) And at camps this year, 11 cases of Swine Flu were reported in children - after they left the camp. That's scary. Everyone wants every child to have the best summer possible. We just don't want them to get sick.
Volunteering for an organization like MDA is emotional, but so rewarding. Sadly, we're all going to miss out on camp this year. For me, that means a lot more time will pass before I get to see some of my friends again. Hopefully, this swine flu threat goes away - quickly. In the meantime, I hope you'll watch the Labor Day MDA telethon and consider donating - to give a little boy or girl a flu shot, and a better chance to forget about MD for a while.
Len Stevens
ABC 13 News Anchor
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» Maryland Predictions by Jeremy Mills
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» Sure to Have a Good Time! by Len Stevens
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» Adjusting to the Community by Dhomonique Ricks
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August» So Long Summer, Come Back Soon! by Sarah Bloom
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June» Swine Flu and MDA- by Len Stevens
» Lynchburg's Urban Treasure- by Bill Foy
» The Power of the Pen- by Dave Tate
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» Go Maryland!- by Jeremy Mills
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» Thank you!!! - by Len Stevens
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May» Identity Crisis- by Margaret Clevenstine
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April» Summer Days Are on the Way- by Pattie Martin
» The Search For Truth- by Manuel Quinones
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» What I Learned From My Mother by Noreen Turyn
» My Biggest Fan by Len Stevens
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