JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Anna Hopson is a bubbly 5-year-old girl. She was excited to hangout with firefighters in Jacksonville last week. She even got to use a fire hose.
She was diagnosed with a rare, progressive neuromuscular disorder at age 3.
"Sometimes it does feel a little lonely because she can't really participate in some of the things kids her age can do," her mom Kathleen Hopson said.
It's because of kids like Anna that firefighters in Jacksonville hit the streets each year, raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
TRENDING:
- Explosion at RV City ahead of Florida-Georgia game in Jacksonville
- Jacksonville doctor accused of inappropriately touching patient, banned from treating females
- Restaurant Report: 2 Town Center area restaurants cited for violations, inspectors say
- Pilot killed in plane crash that caused power outage for parts of Orange Park
The money goes toward research and a special camp for kids like Anna. They get to zipline, paddle board and have fun doing activities designed just for them.
"You get to see all these smiling faces all the kids that are in their own element. They don't see wheelchairs, they don't see braces, they're just themselves," Jasmyne Stanley with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Jacksonville said.
Stanley said JFRD firefighters raised $126,000 for the association last year, and $145,000 the year before.
The fundraising is important, but the firefighters are also raising awareness.
"It's our life we get to do some special things and other things we miss out on," Kathleen Hopson said. "A diagnosis is not the end and she's living a great life."
Firefighters will be out in some areas of town on Sunday. You can donate to MDA's summer camp year round on their website.
STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories
Cox Media Group
