Events
"It
completely amazes me how many people in the community have taken to
Allison. I've had so many people tell me how she's touched their heart...even
when they haven't even met her."
Katie
Kerns, Allison's mom
MDA Summer Camp 2010!
Click here for a peek inside. (Look for Allison and mom Katie at :23 seconds.)
MDA Boot Drive
May 15, 2010
Allison pitched in with lots of smiles at the MDA Boot Drive this Spring, raising funds with St. Petersburg firefighters.
Allison Kerns featured in Documentary on Spinal Muscular Atrophy
February 19, 2010
“Florida Crossroads” is an award-winning documentary series that airs statewide on all PBS stations, reaching 99% of Florida’s population. The interviews were developed into a moving half-hour episode of the series, titled “Andy’s Army”, after 5-month old Andy Butler who lost his battle with SMA last summer.
The documentary includes the stories of many SMA individuals including Andy Butler, Abigail Judge, Joie Smith, Allison Kerns, Elio Navarro and Tyler Hernandez.
Click here to view the documentary. Just scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “View Now”, which is next to the entry for “Andy’s Army.” You will need “Real Player” to view.
Allison Kerns named 2010 Florida MDA Goodwill Ambassador
It is with great pride that we are able to announce that Allison has been selected for the second year in a row as the Muscular Dystrophy Associations (MDA) Goodwill Ambassador for the State of Florida. This year we will again travel to different MDA functions, meetings and fundraisers around the state of Florida to help spread awareness and raise support and funds for the 43 different neuromuscular diseases under the muscular dystrophy umbrella.
Our family is so grateful and appreciative to everyone’s continued support of Allison and her needs. There is no way we could do any of this without you.
Allison
Kerns, Covergirl!
Allison was chosen to appear on the cover of the FSMA publication – Directions. Take a look through Directions to learn more about SMA kids and their families, research and progress, and updates on current legislation.
Allison
Kerns named 2009 Florida MDA Goodwill Ambassador
We wanted to share our exciting news with you. Allison has just been chosen by the Muscular Dystrophy Association to serve as the 2009 Florida MDA Goodwill Ambassador. Allison will be given the opportunity to travel around the state of Florida this year to attend different MDA fundraisers and events. Allison will meet lots of wonderful people with MD and those involved. We're so happy to be given this opportunity to help raise awareness and raise money for an organization that has helped us directly! We'll find out soon what our duties will entail. Click here to read the official press release.
Thank you for always supporting us.
Love, Health and Blessings in the New Year, Katie and Michael
Allison named St. Petersburg "Sunshine Ambassador"
In the Sunday, February 15th edition of the St. Petersburg Times, it was announced that Allison was recognized as a Sunshine Ambassador by the St. Petersburg City Council. The event on Thursday, February 12th was held at the St. Petersburg City Hall, and was attended by Mayor Rick Baker, city Council Members, along with Allison and her parents, Katie and Michael Kerns.
Click here to read the St. Petersburg Times article.
Event Recaps
MDA Walk-in-Honor Walkathon
On December 7, 2008 Allison and Katie walked in their first MDA Walk-In-Honor walkathon. Katie and Allison walked in honor of Stephen Maxwell who passed away in September. Stephen had SMA Type 1 and is now an SMA Angel. Our goal was to raise $300 for MDA and we were thrilled to raise $695 in the end! Thank you to all for your continuous donations and support.
MDA Fundraiser
On Wednesday, December 3, 2008 the MDA raised funds at the Feather
Sound Lock Up at Bascom's Chop House. Jailbird participants
reached out to friends and family to help "raise bail" with
proceeds benefiting the MDA. Katie and Allison were the guests of honor,
and also had a central role in promoting the event.
Click below to see Katie and Allison's promo spots:
First promo video
Second promo video
Third promo video
Looking Forward...
When Allison turns 6, she will be able to attend a free week-long, overnight summer camp each summer, provided by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, where she will have doctors, therapists and assistants around her 24/7. Please remember the MDA when considering charitable contributions. They have done so much for us and so many other families affected by SMA and MDA.