Never Give Up: Inspiration from MDA

This sponsored post about MDA is a little different than most here on The Mom Creative, but gosh, I’m so excited for you to read it. You see, my day job is spent developing content for a children’s hospital. The families I get to meet are full of such bravery, kindness and hope, despite their circumstances.

So when I was approached by the Muscular Dystrophy Association about attending one of their summer camps to see first-hand the work they do, I really wanted to be a part of it. Because of a work conflict (ironic, I know), Matthew went in my place. When he got to the hotel he was hit with a horrible stomach bug and couldn’t go to the camp the next day. We were so grateful Matthew got to meet a camper named Aiden Atkins this month at a Nashville MDA event.

Here’s Aiden’s story. May he inspire you as much as he inspired me. 

Aiden Atkins is all smiles. The 11-year-old spins his wheelchair toward me and reaches out his hand. As we meet each other, one of Aiden’s adoring fans—and he has many, including country music artist, Ty Herndon— interjects, “Have you seen this kid’s art? It’s incredible.”

I turn around to see a small collection of art—four unique pieces—one of which is Aiden’s drawing of a wolf.

“Wow,” I said, “Did you really draw that, Aiden? That’s amazing.”

For a split second, blushing humility cracked through Aiden’s bright grin. He nodded.

As I take in his drawing a moment more, I glance at each of the artworks on display and I’m struck by the message featured in shimmering gold ink on one of the works of art: Never give up.

For many of us, those words might feel a bit cliche, a simple phrase that we take for granted. But here, at Nashville’s 2nd annual Muscle Team Gala—a who’s who charity event raising funds and awareness for Music City’s Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) office, “never give up” is a message that Aiden Atkins, along with many other children who are coping with various effects of muscular dystrophy or related life-threatening diseases, live every day.  They truly are living unlimited.

The people in attendance—which included American Idol’s Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo, Miss Tennessee Grace Burgess, several players from the Tennessee Titans, and several others—all seem honored and privileged to play a small role in helping that “never give up” dream become a reality for all of the kids whose lives are affected by muscular dystrophy.

“For many years,” says Ty Herndon, “I’ve been watching these beautiful boys and girls grow up to do amazing things. And helping MDA continue to help these kids is one of the best things that I get to do.”

While chatting outside on one of The City Winery’s decks and watching the sun fall over Nashville’s skyline, Aiden can’t stop talking about his love for basketball. “It’s by far my favorite sport,” he says. In addition to following both NBA and NCAA basketball, Aiden is also an honorary member (and official stat keeper) for his middle school’s team. His parents, Alan and Michelle, who adopted Aiden from South Korea when he was 13 months old, have no idea where their son’s love for basketball comes from. “Neither of us are big into sports,” laughs Alan. “And he’s loved it since he was very young,” adds Michelle, “his face just lights up any time he gets to talk about it.”

According to his parents, Aiden was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when he was 4. “But,” says Michelle, “we knew something was wrong by the time he was 2 or 3, it just took us a while to find out why.”

Alan adds, “the symptoms of muscular dystrophy can mimic other ailments—neurological and things like that—so it took a little while to determine what was wrong. But once they did the muscle biopsy, doctors were able to tell us a diagnosis.”

As Aiden and Ty trade basketball stories behind us, I ask Alan and Michelle to tell me about how MDA has affected Aiden and their journey.

Michelle breathes deeply, “For starters, the camp each summer is wonderful. It’s Aiden’s favorite time of the year. He just loves it.”

“And they are a support system,” Alan adds. “They are a very special group of wonderful people who seem to care deeply about not only the work but also the kids. They’re dedicated to the research in hopes of one day finding a cure. But they also are constantly researching new medications in hopes of being able to treat children who aren’t as fortunate as Aiden is.”

Michelle says that, for Aiden, MDA has provided a sense of belonging, a reality for which she and Alan are very grateful.

In addition to basketball, the one other topic that Aiden seems delighted to discuss is his love for MDA, a relationship he says started in 2011 when he was 8.

“MDA gives me hope,” says Aiden, “hope that one day there will be a cure. But they also give me hope every day because they help me face my physical challenges in ways that my hospital can’t.”

Back inside, amid the celebrity and influencer-heavy crowd, Aiden works that room like a pro, greeting every fan and friend with grace and maturity, a true testament to that evening’s unofficial slogan: Never give up.

“I have days that are hard,” Aiden says, “but I get through them because of the people who are around me. They help me. They give me hope.”

I’d be so grateful if you would consider supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association, whether it’s by sharing amazing stories like Aiden’s, or buying #LiveUnlimited t-shirts or bracelets from Endorphin Warrior.