MDF is providing an opportunity to request financial support to attend Camp JOA 2025, an away camp experience at the Eaterseals' Timberpointe Outdoor Center in Hudson, Illinois, exclusively for adults ages 18+ living with juvenile-onset (JOA) myotonic dystrophy. Click here to learn more about Camp JOA 2025! >>>
MDF's Camp JOA Financial Assistance Program can award up to $500 in travel reimbursement (including airfare, rideshare, parking, or mileage reimbursement) to support the campers travel to and from the designated pick-up location at the O’Hare Airport in Chicago, IL (ORD). Due to the limited availability of resources, priority will be given to applications for first-time campers and be based on financial need. MDF will review returning campers applications after all the first-time camper financial assistance has been awarded.
Applications will be received until midnight on Friday, June 2nd, or until all funds have been distributed, whichever comes first. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Applicants must both be registered and accepted to camp before applying for financial assistance. Click here to register for Camp JOA 2025! >>>
Questions? If you are waiting for a response or have questions about MDF's Camp JOA Financial Assistance Program, please contact MDF’s Senior Manager of Community Engagement, Lucie Shiffman, at lucie.shiffman@myotonic.org.
Who is Eligible for Camp JOA Financial Aid?
- Those with financial need. Please note, household income information is required to assess need but will not be saved, stored, or shared.
- Caregivers – parents, spouses, etc. – are welcome to apply on behalf of their JOA loved one living with DM!
- Priority for First-Time Campers. While returning campers are welcome to apply, priority will be given to first-time campers.
Camp JOA Financial Aid Rules
- Up to $500 Travel Reimbursement: Covers airfare, train, bus tickets, mileage, airport parking, and travel-day meals.
- Applications will be received until midnight on Friday, June 2nd, 2025 or until all funds have been distributed (whichever comes first) and reviewed on an ongoing basis.
- Applicants must both be registered and accepted to camp before applying for financial assistance.
- Awardees must accept offered financial assistance within three-days from the date of award by return confirmation email.
- Travel must be booked by July 3rd, 2025, unless otherwise approved. Awardees have two options for booking airfare/train/bus:
- Book travel independently (reimbursement provided after camp).
- Use MDF’s travel service to book your travel.
- Travel assistance amounts are based on allowable reimbursement costs associated with the travel to and from MDF’s JOA Camp.
- Recipients must submit the MDF Financial Assistance form with all applicable receipts and documentation within 60 days of attending the JOA Camp.
- Submitted and approved receipts will be reimbursed within 30 days of successful completion of the MDF Financial Assistance form, and accurate submission of all applicable receipts and documentation.
- Reimbursement will not exceed $500, even if travel costs exceed this amount
- Attendance Requirement:
- Missing camp without approval may disqualify you from future financial assistance for up to 5 years.
- Camp dismissal due to disciplinary action means the camper covers return travel costs.
Camp JOA Financial Assistance Application
Complete this form with the campers information. Please note, all questions marked with an * require a response.