RIPLEY, W.Va. -- Hunter Adkins had never spent much time away from his father or gone very far from home. Thanks to the help of local sponsors and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), Hunter got a chance to spend a week at the MDA Summer Camp at the Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley, W.Va.
"It was kind of freaky for both of us," said Tony Adkins, Hunter's father, "We have always been together."
Hunter was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), when he was 6 years old. DMD is a degenerative muscular disease that affects voluntary muscle growth in about one in 3,500 males.
The camp allowed Hunter to experience the outdoors and do things he has never done before.
"I got to ride a horse. It was fun. I rode the medium one," Hunter said.
The camp also gave Hunter a chance to swim, play baseball, ride a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and even go fishing.
"He won a prize for catching the most fish in the tournament," Tony said.
"I caught five fish!" Hunter added.
If you did not know the Adkins family and did not notice their age difference, it would be easy to think that Hunter and Tony were just two best friends. Tony said that they enjoy going camping together, and he watches while his son plays video games.
"He is so good at just picking up on video games. He really is a smart kid. He likes to read and get on the computer. He knows a lot more about the computer then I do," his father said.
Tony said that he took Hunter to the doctor because he was walking on his tiptoes and he thought they could help. When they took a blood test, Tony said that he was blown away by the results.
"I didn't know anything about his condition. I used to see Jerry's Kids on television and just change the channel. I am learning more now and want to get involved. He is my life," Tony said.
"We already had it tough, and we were already like best friends. I don't know what I would do without him. I may have a few less bruises," he added with laughter as Hunter playfully punched his arm.
When Tony took Hunter to the camp, he left him with the option of calling him. But Hunter had so much fun, he never got the chance.
"I met some new friends," Hunter said.
One of the local sponsors that helps make the MDA Summer Camp possible is Charlie's Harley-Davidson. Charlie's sponsors five "Bike-Nights," the proceeds of which go toward the MDA and helps with costs such as the $800 it takes to send just one child to the MDA Summer Camp.
"We feel very committed and passionate about helping the MDA. It is a Harley-Davidson national charity. We donate 100 percent of our MDA fundraisers to the MDA. It is a great cause and really gives the kids a chance to do something they may not have otherwise," said Lynn Rist, a Charlie's Harley-Davidson marketing representative.
Charlie's Harley-Davidson also has a Harley Hero program that gives people the opportunity to receive special benefits in exchange for a $105 donation to the MDA.
The next event will be Aug. 1 and 2, when a band will play the Happy New Year Harley Style celebration of the new 2009 Harley-Davidson bikes. Proceeds from this event will also fund the MDA.
Hunter will make an appearance at the event as well. He will celebrate his 9th birthday on July 31.
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