Joey is 20 years old and was born with a rare genetic disorder called Cornelia deLange Syndrome (CdLS) www.cdlsusa.org. At the time of Joeys birth in 1996, we were told that CdLS affected approximately 1 in 60,000 live births. Currently it is thought to affect 1 in 10,000 live births. Joey weighs only 60 pounds and is 50" tall.

CdLS causes a wide range of physical, cognitive, and medical challenges for those affected.  Joey in non-verbal, mentally and physically challenged.

While Joey is affected with CdLS, he is the strongest person we know! Joey has worked very hard and has made tremendous strides to be where he is today. While at the time of his birth, we were told he may never walk, he walked at the age of 10 years old. While we were told he may not live past the age of 13, he is now 20 years old. Prior to just 3 years ago, Joey was unable to eat his food by mouth, requiring his feeds to be administered through a feeding tube. Today, while he does require his foods be pureed, he takes 100% of his food by mouth, a huge improvement.  

Joey is so joyful, even while enduring daily obstacles. Joeys laugh is contagious and his spirit is that of strength. While Joey will always require help in every aspect of his life, he never quits and has taught people to love like no other. 

Joey LOVES anything to do with water, swimming, music, horseback riding, and cant get enough of riding in the car with the windows rolled down and the wind blowing on his face!

Camp ASCCA is an amazing camp geared for kids like Joey who have specific needs. A few of the fun things Joey would get to do is swimming, horseback riding, canoeing, archery, zip lining (even if wheel chair bound) and an array of other activities.

Just over 3 years ago, Joey was just not in a place, health wise, to go somewhere like Camp ASCCA. Today, he is stable and doing great! We so want to try and give him this gift.  Absolutely any amount you could donate would be a blessing and so very much appreciated.

Camp ASCCA offers week long (Sunday thru Friday) camps as well as weekend sessions in the fall where the parents get to attend. The donation amount we are asking for is to allow Joey to attend 2 camps or one Summer Camp and one weekend camp in the Fall. This amount also will go towards items needed while at camp, extra food pouches, clothing, toiletries & sunscreen (most of you know how pale "Joester" is lol).  Joey could possibly go to camp every year, should we be able to fund it. Please know that ANY amount you could give would be appreciated. I have listed Camp ASCCAs website should you have any questions. www.campascca.org

We want to thank you all SO much for considering this for Joey. I know, if "Joester" could, he would want to thank each and every one of you!!