Family reflects on help from MDA

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. (WLFI) - Summer is over and it is back to school for James and Georgana Nichols, and that's just fine with them.

But as much as they love school, they also like their free time. For James it's playing with his tractors, and for Georgana, it's watching NASCAR. The Nichols are like most other kids except that they have a muscle weakening disease called congenital fiber type disproportional myopathy.

"As they grow older they have trouble standing, running, getting around as much. They both may or may not end up in wheelchairs," their father, Greg Nichols, said.

He said the disease slows them down a bit, making it tough to keep up with others. That's why the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and its summer camp is so special.

"Everything is geared towards them and their abilities. They can do everything," Greg Nichols said.

"I love MDA camp. It's a place where everyone is the same and I've made so many friends there," Georgana Nichols said.

"If you can't walk to the lake they'll do a two-man lift and carry you to the water and they'll help you swim. It's fun because you can feel a fish going between your legs," James Nichols said.

Greg and his wife Laura don't mind camp, either.

"The camp allowed me and Laura to have the first week alone together in eleven years," Greg Nichols said.

The family has served as the MDA Goodwill Ambassadors, giving them the chance to travel around, meet new people and share the message of the MDA. They are grateful for the experience and everyone who supports the cause.

James said sometime life is hard, but with the help of the MDA, every day is a little easier.

"The biggest thing is that you've gotta try. And you can't just say, OK, I don't want to do it, I'm done. You have to try and encourage yourself," James Nichols said.

You can catch the MDA Telethon Labor Day weekend on WLFI.