Since its founding, MDA has spent 75 years championing people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 related neuromuscular diseases. More than 300 Burn Boot Camp locations nationwide rallied this spring on Saturday, April 12th, to power this year’s campaign. New for 2025, our youngest Members under 13 hopped onto the signature Floating Floor during MDA’s Hop-a-thon, completing a two-minute jump challenge to raise funds and critical disability awareness for Burn Boot Camp’s kids nationwide.

In St. Louis, Burn Nation converged at Energizer Park for an unforgettable Camp built on community and purpose. Hundreds of Members and non-members joined us for a one-of-a-kind outdoor workout, an expert-led bodyweight conditioning Camp with heart-pounding music, high fives, and a special Kids Camp, all powered by a $25 donation. Attendees braved the Missouri elements to push their own limits and cheer each other on, united in the belief that “real strength comes from lifting each other up, inside the gym and beyond.”

“This campaign is one of the most inspiring times of the year, as our Members and team come together to uplift a community that truly needs our strength,” said Morgan Kline, CEO and Co-Founder of Burn Boot Camp. “When two missions built on community and empowerment unite, we create unstoppable momentum. Together, we’re not just raising funds; we’re changing lives and helping people with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and many other neuromuscular diseases live longer and more independently.”

Strength is built in the work, but transformation happens in the connection, and this year’s “Be Their Muscle” campaign proved it. We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined: your dedication and generosity empower MDA’s life-changing work and send even more kids to MDA Summer Camp, where lifelong friendships blossom and futures ignite.

“Morgan and Devan Kline have been champions for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s mission since the very beginning. Long before Burn Boot Camp became a national movement, they were volunteering as counselors at MDA Summer Camp, connecting with families and experiencing the heart of our work firsthand. Nearly a decade later, their dedication has grown into a powerful legacy of support that continues to uplift and empower the families we serve nationwide. As we celebrate MDA’s 75th anniversary, their leadership through the ‘Be Their Muscle’ campaign exemplifies the momentum and progress we’ve built over generations, and we’re so grateful for their partnership! They’ve rallied an extraordinary community that shares their passion for strength, unity, and hope,” said Ruth Ann Dailey, Chief Development Officer, Muscular Dystrophy Association.

‘Be Their Muscle’ symbolizes the strength, solidarity, and support that define the Burn Boot Camp community. It represents our collective commitment to standing alongside those affected by muscular dystrophy, offering our strength where it’s needed most. This initiative is about empowering and uplifting others, demonstrating that together, we can overcome any challenge. By participating in ‘Be Their Muscle,’ we embody the spirit of resilience, showcasing that our community’s true power lies in our ability to unite for a greater cause.

Because of the support of Burn Nation, we’re able to help the MDA empower those living with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases. Here are just a few of the ways MDA uses these funds to help this important cause: 

Research: Funds donated to MDA accelerate the discovery of therapies and cures. The research they have supported is directly linked to approved, life-changing therapies across multiple neuromuscular diseases. There have been over 20 FDA-approved treatments for neuromuscular diseases in just the past seven years.  

Care: MDA funds the largest network of multidisciplinary clinics, providing best-in-class care at over 150 of the nation’s top medical institutions. They produce educational events and conferences for medical professionals and families. MDA also provides one-on-one support through their resource center.  

Advocacy: MDA provides access to care and therapies from day one (newborn screening), which accelerates therapeutic development, empowerment, and independence (access to education, employment, travel).

Summer Camp (Virtual & In-person): Donations to MDA help support transformative, life-changing camp experiences to thousands of children and young adults ages 8-17. Kids learn vital life skills, make life- long friendships, and gain independence and confidence at no cost to families. 

We’re so grateful for everyone who participated and donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, making ‘Be Their Muscle’ an unforgettable and life-changing experience. The generosity of our Members has not only helped raise money for MDA, but have also strengthened the bonds within our community. We’re inspired by this event to continue making a difference, both in our local communities and beyond. Together, we can achieve extraordinary things. Stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved and make an impact with Burn Boot Camp.

From bringing awareness to more accessible spaces in her school to running a non-profit that distributes period products to people in her community, Lily is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in and make an impact. Her advocacy extends to MDA’s annual summer camp, where she personally found a sense of belonging and a passion for disability advocacy while attending camp. The lifelong friendships and invaluable experiences she gained there are a testament to the transformative power of MDA Camp.

Her personal motto, “doing it anyway,” speaks volumes about her determination to navigate ‘a world not built for her.’ Lily encourages everyone with muscular dystrophy to persevere and not let their condition define them. 

This year, we’re setting an ambitious national fundraising goal of $1,000,000 for our ‘Be Their Muscle’ campaign. With your support, we can make a difference in the lives of hundreds of children, just like Lily, by providing them with the opportunity to attend MDA Camp. 

Join us in supporting MDA by being part of our ‘Be Their Muscle’ Camp on Saturday, April 20th, or by donating to this important cause.

We had the privilege of sitting down with Lily to learn more about her passion for advocacy. Watch this inspiring recap video or read our full interview with Lily below.

What has the last year of your life looked like? What are some of your goals and dreams?

“The last year of my life has been insane. Looking back to a year ago, lots of things have changed. I’ve done a lot of projects this year through disability advocacy. I spoke at a conference in Boston this year. I filmed a short film in New York with the MDA in the summer. I’ve done many interviews just speaking about life with a disability. And then personally, I run a nonprofit that distributes period products to people in my community. We’ve grown a lot in a year and we’ve made a lot of progress. I’ve been kept extremely busy with disability advocacy and advocacy for menstrual justice, and it’s just been a crazy year of growth and change. And it’s been incredible.”

Your advocacy is so inspiring. When you left last year, we all just kept talking about what an inspiration you are. Why is it so important for you to be an advocate for those specifically living with muscular dystrophy?

“I want to make the world a better place for people with disabilities. I want to make the world more accessible and more understanding. Ultimately, I don’t want people to have to go through living with muscular dystrophy. I focus on anything that I can do to help with that. I’m not a scientist, so I can’t find the cure, but I can raise funds for cures and I can advocate for quality of life and policy change, and understanding within communities towards disabled people and disability. That’s just important to me. I don’t want people to feel alone, isolated, or different because they are living with a muscular disease.”

Can you elaborate on the MDA summer camps and what the community you have found has meant to you?

“Before I went to muscular dystrophy summer camp, I had only met a few disabled people. I was about eight years old, so I’d met a few people here and there who had various disabilities, but I had never been in the type of environment that the MDA camp provides, where almost every single person that you interact with has some sort of disability. The people who are able-bodied are educated and passionate about supporting you. So, it was transformative to be in that environment and to be with kids who understood what I was going through and understood my daily challenges.

I met my best friends that first year, and we went through many years of camp together. We still keep in contact to this day. I keep in contact with my old camp counselor. It’s incredible the kind of impact that a couple of years of camp can have on your life. I think it’s important to feel empowered living with a disability, and seeing people from all different walks of life come together and have a week of fun that’s not necessarily focused on disability, but accommodates your disability is incredible and not something that I can easily describe.

I think that if you’re watching this and you have muscular dystrophy, give it a try, see it for yourself. And if you don’t have MD, maybe consider being a counselor and feeling the energy and just feeling how incredible these kids are. It will change your life all around. MDA camp is incredible, and I think that it’s a unique opportunity for kids to feel empowered through their challenges.”

What are some of the challenges that the community you have at summer camp understands, but maybe people who are able-bodied don’t understand?

“I remember when I was younger, I would give my friend a call and I would say, I’m in so much pain today, or my wheelchair is causing me to get so many stares in public or someone said something rude to me. I would call my friends and I would just have them sympathize with me. Your able-bodied peers can’t understand those types of challenges and how they really feel, so having that community in your local area is so important to have that support system of people who intimately understand disability. It’s something that I still have and like I said, I still keep in contact with these people to this day. These bonds are incredible and they’re fostered through these summer camps and I think that’s so important.”

Community is everything. It’s definitely something we believe at Burn Boot Camp. You also mentioned that you found your voice through camp. How has camp empowered you and how the donations bring this dream to reality?

“I remember I was pulled out of lunch one day at summer camp. I was sat down in an interview-style setting with a camera and lights, just like we are in here now. I was about eight years old and they were like, just answer a few questions for me. And of course, I was in all my camp gear. I was probably dressed up in the theme of the day, and I got to speak to a camera for the first time. I truly felt empowered later on when seeing the video on the internet and seeing the comments and how it helped bring people to camp or to donate. It just led me to want to do more and to advocate for disability and just community and understanding.

I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have that experience year after year with the MDA coming in and asking me to do interviews. I just think there’s something therapeutic about being able to speak about your life and have it affect other people and sometimes enact change. I think it was really something to be an eight-year-old in front of a camera and to be given that first glimpse of a voice. And it’s just impacted me to this day. So, I don’t know where I would be without that.”

We were really touched personally last year when you said you’re navigating a world that wasn’t built for you, and you’re trying to change that from within. That just really put things into perspective for us. Can you speak on that a little?

“Our world is designed for able-bodied people. Doors are heavy. Sidewalks don’t have curbs. Sometimes there aren’t enough elevators or ramps. Whenever I started using my wheelchair more regularly, I discovered these challenges. I did some digging into the law and how this relates and I just became passionate about advocating for change. I just don’t want anyone to feel the way that I feel when I can’t get somewhere in my wheelchair because there’s not an elevator or a ramp. I feel defeated and I feel as if I’m not welcome in a space.

I’ve really tried to speak up and use my voice and say, “Hey, this isn’t right.” Like at school, if there’s not enough accessibility, I’ve tried to speak up and try to get that changed. It’s just all about doing your research and talking to other disabled people and figuring out the challenges that are in our world, but then how can we fix those so that we feel welcome in spaces that we should be in?”

What does it mean to have partners like Burn Boot Camp and MDA come together to support families like the two that we have with us here today?

“It means a lot for Burn Boot Camp to host these events and really have their community rally together for the MDA. I think that we need to have more communication between our larger communities and these organizations that are helping our families. I think that’s the only way that we can get anything done. We need support from people who aren’t affected by muscular dystrophy to change the lives of those who are. It means a lot for people to come together and take time out of their days to really plan to make these things happen.”

Can you talk to me about how a single donation to MDA can impact someone with muscular dystrophy? Do you have a moment where you’ve seen that come full circle for you personally?

“A single donation can help pay for camp. It can help pay for research. It can help pay for support in clinics. So, I think that it’s so important whatever you can donate. It all adds up. It all comes together to create change in our lives. You may not always see it, but I promise we feel it. I remember going to summer camp and my mom mentioned that she heard how much it costs to send one kid. And I was thinking, wow, people care enough to donate to this organization to send us to camp, and they don’t truly know what camp means to us. I think it’s amazing that people have the hearts to donate. And I think it’s important that we keep spreading our message to more and more people so that they do so. Even if it’s a small donation, it all adds up and it all means something to us.”

Talk to us about your personal motto of “doing it anyway.” What does that mean to you, and how do you hope it inspires others?

“Life with my disability looks different than other people’s lives. I do things differently day to day, but I don’t try to let that stop me. If I want to do an activity, I find a way to accommodate myself and I find a way to do it anyway. I don’t think that your disability should stop you, but oftentimes it does, because again, the world wasn’t built for us. I really try to push the boundaries and see what I can do to make things happen. Even if it’s hard, even if I’m exhausted, even if I’m in pain. I’m really focused on trying to make the world better for disabled people. So, if I can come first and shatter the glass ceiling, then that’s what I want to do. But I really wish that every person with a muscle disease, with any disability, felt as if they were able to do what they wanted to do anyway.”

You talk about if how if you can make experiences better for people living with MDA, you want to be that person. Have you seen that come to fruition?

“I’m working on it. I’m working with my school to make things accessible. It’s not enough just to fight for myself because oftentimes, I’ll put up with obstacles and just go around it, try to figure out a way. But to help other people is what really is my focus. So I’m working on the accessibility and how to make that better for the people that come after me. It inspires me to keep going when things are hard because I don’t want people to feel the way that I do when I can’t access what I need.”

What would you say to somebody who’s maybe thinking about donating and the impact it can have? “I would say trust that it has an impact that you may never see. I think that’s part of the beauty of it. You’re behind the scenes allowing things to happen with your donation and I think there’s a lot of value in that. But also, like I said, if you want to volunteer at camp or interact with the kids, that’s also another great way to see the power that your donation has. But I think doing your research and talking to muscular dystrophy patients will help you understand how far it really goes.”

Anything else within your advocacy work that you want to touch on as far as goals you have or things that you want to see develop?

“I just want disabled people in America to feel supported by their communities, by the government, and by their schools. I want us to not be in the background, struggling. I wish for us to be able to be in our communities and have accessibility and have everything we need. And so, I’m willing to do whatever I can personally to make that happen. But again, I think it’s incredibly important to have our able-bodied partners in that too.

I’m incredibly touched by the Burn community for coming together and using their muscles to donate to ours. I think it’s so incredible and something that is incredibly generous. I cannot thank their community enough.”

Worried about their son’s health, they reached out for medical advice and Franklin underwent various tests, ultimately resulting in the diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a genetic condition without a known cure that gradually progresses. Franklin’s parents made the decision to enroll in the clinical trial for vamorolone, in which Franklin was the first person to ever take the experimental drug under the recommendation from the doctors at MDA’s Care Center at Duke University. Today, AGAMREE® (vamorolone) has been approved by the FDA, thanks in part to Franklin’s courageous participation in paving the way and to donations like yours that make this research possible.

We’re proud to partner with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and share the inspiring and emotional stories of kids like Franklin. MDA is dedicated to helping those affected by muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. Over 300 Burn Boot Camp locations are uniting throughout April to raise awareness and funds in support of MDA. Every dollar raised plays a vital role in accelerating research, enhancing care, and advocating for families affected by these debilitating conditions.

Join us in supporting MDA by being part of our ‘Be Their Muscle’ Camp on Saturday, April 20th, or by donating to this important cause.

Watch this short video to get a sneak peek into Franklin’s visit at Burn Boot Camp HQ and to hear from the inspiring Griffin family.

Learn more about Franklin’s story and the impact of MDA from our interview with the Griffin Family below.

You talk a lot about your steadfast unwavering faith and bringing Franklin into the world. Talk to me a little bit about that journey. 

Jay Griffin: The journey of our faith. We’ve always had a personal relationship with God, and that’s the foundation on which we go about our marriage and our life. It really started when we went to New Life Fellowship. That’s the first church we attended here, and it spoke a lot about faith. During that time, we were actively trying to have kids for ten-plus years. That took a lot of faith, prayer, hope, and trips to CVS for ovulation kits and pregnancy tests, only to find that we weren’t pregnant. But our faith was ignited one day when we decided that we were going to put a car seat in the back of our car. 

That was our way of showing us every day that we believed and trusted in God that we were going to have a kid at some point, despite what medical doctors have said. A lot of people oftentimes will say, “Hey, Jay, Neekeesha, are y’all expecting a baby?” Because they see the car seat. So without lying, we say, “Yeah, we are expecting. We’re expecting a blessing any day now. We’re just waiting and trusting God.” And through that process, there’s been countless examples of God really bringing us closer to that. There were family and friends that allowed us to be godparents. 

Instead of us being upset and having a pity party because everyone else is pregnant and we’re not, we allowed that to push our faith even further. So, we would go all out for those families and provide gifts and stuff. We would park inside the “expecting” parking spaces at Baby R Us. After ten years, having the D&C and losing a baby, we were finally able to get Franklin. He’s a product of what God can do when you trust him, and he’s an everyday reflection of that. 

Can you talk to us about when you started to maybe notice some developmental issues with Franklin? What prompted additional doctor visits and raised concern for you? 

Jay Griffin: In the beginning, you have to remember that we never had any kids before. Franklin was our first so we didn’t have a gauge as to how our son was going to develop along the way. But we noticed that he was walking a little bit later. We noticed that he was getting off the floor a little bit differently. We noticed over time that he had enlarged calves. So, I thought he was going to be able to jump out of the gym playing basketball because his calves were so large. And we noticed he couldn’t lift the chair on top of the table at preschool and kindergarten. 

So, we went to our pediatrician and said, “Hey, these are the things that we’re noticing.” But they didn’t know what it was. They thought that maybe he was just developing late. We just had to continue to work with him. And so, as a dad, I was helping him do more push-ups and sit-ups, trying to get his strength up. It wasn’t until Frasier came along, when Frasier turned 1 or 2 years old, we noticed him jumping off everything, getting up off the floor fine, running, and doing all those different things. That was really the defining moment that there is something wrong beyond he’s just not developing. 

We told the pediatrician that we needed to do something different, so she referred us to the neurologist. We took him to the neurologist and the neurologist saw the things that he wasn’t doing. They decided to do a CK test. The CK test basically measures if there’s any type of muscle damage. So, a normal CK result was under 500. His came back at 46,000. There was a muscle disease, but they didn’t know at the time exactly which version of the disease it was. That’s when our antennas really started to be heightened. After that, we did a DNA test which took months to get back, and it confirmed that he had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. 

You wrote about the moment that your world changed when it was confirmed that he had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. You wrote explaining it’s a genetic disease that has no cure and is progressive. The moment that your world changed, can you take me to that moment? 

Jay Griffin: For me, it was twofold. We went right back to the same hospital, Northeast Medical Center. But Northeast Medical Center has a positive moment for me, because when we found out that we were having a boy and everything was good, we came down the stairs and there was a white rocking chair, and we sat there in joy, knowing finally, after ten years without any medical interventions, with all the stuff that we went through, that we were going to have a son. But it was in that same building at the walkway going into the parking garage where it really hit me that we have a son who’s going to be walking through this new season. 

That’s when we broke down. We were very emotional. We questioned, now after ten years of faith, here we are with the blessing, but now there’s a different chapter that we’re going to be a part of. That was really, really, tough. I think at that same time, as a husband and wife, it’s not often talked about. We speak a lot about Franklin and the kids that are walking through this disease. But there’s a part where Neekeesha and I have to navigate together because we both love our sons. We both would die for our sons. 

We identified where our strengths were in relation to supporting him. Whereas I am the one that’s out front, I’m going through the fire, I’m the one that’s researching. I’m looking at this disease and all the bad stuff with it. Whereas she’s the nurturing one. She wants to make sure that he has everything he needs, and that he feels like he’s no different than Frasier or any other kid. I usually filter all the research and information to her. We have our pillow talk moments about how we’re going to support both of our boys with one walking through this disease. 

Neekeesha Griffin: I think the moment that it hit me was when we went to Duke Hospital. I think it was that first visit when all the doctors rushed in. In that split second, I felt like I was in another world. I really felt like I was in a tunnel and they were like, “Mom, are you okay? Are you okay?” Because everybody was like, this doctor, that doctor. They just all came in. I was just thinking, what is about to happen? I think after that moment, after prayer and understanding that we are given these opportunities for a reason, for God to show his grace and mercy and to walk you through things. Eventually I got to the point where I’m going to be like, “Okay, Jay, you’re going to be the front runner. I need you to research, tell me the bad stuff later on, and let me just concentrate on making sure he has a loving home, making sure things are normal, making sure he’s participating in all kinds of activities that he can, and just giving him the life that is full of purpose, even though we’re walking through tough stuff.” So, that’s my job, you know, to keep it level in the house. 

What was it like knowing Franklin would be the first patient in the world to try vamorolone?  

Jay Griffin: As a parent, by nature, your desire is to protect your kids from all hurt, harm, and danger. That was the toughest part because there was nothing physically that I could do as a dad to make his ‘dis-ease’ go away. And I say ‘dis-ease’ because we’re all dealing with a disease, walking through something that’s not easy. His is his muscles. Yours might be depression, it might be anxiety, it might be substance abuse. But his is Duchenne. And I physically can’t make it go away. If I could, I would put myself on the table, give him the dystrophin, and let me be the one in the wheelchair. But I can’t. 

So, during our first visit, Doctor Smith at Duke spoke about vamorolone. It was never tried in a human before. It was in preclinical things. The only standard of care was Prednisone and Deflazacort, two steroids. It doesn’t cure it. It just strengthens you and prolongs the progression. And we knew for a fact that Prednisone and Deflazacort had all these side effects. It stunts your growth, liver problems, bone fragility issues. It makes you irritable, all kinds of stuff. And we heard that through parents who were actually in that. 

When vamorolone came along, it was never tested, only in trials. So, as a parent, you’re trying to decide between three bad options, Prednisone and Deflazacort, doing nothing, or vamorolone. And we had that conversation. If we give him Prednisone or Deflazacort, we know exactly what’s going to happen because all the parents deal with the same thing. Or we can do nothing and we know that his progression is going to go full speed ahead without proper intervention. Then, vamorolone, giving him something that they don’t know how it’s going to work, whether it’s going to kill him, whether it’s going to mess up his insides, whatever it’s going to do. 

It was because of Doctor Smith and his team at Duke. The question I asked Doctor Smith was, if this was your son, what would you do? And it was the community. They had the heart to do what was right for him. We knew that we had to set a pathway for other kids so that they could participate. So, we decided that we were going to give him vamorolone. It was a day before his birthday, so we had to rush to Duke the day before his birthday, and he got injected with it. 

We prayed together. Everybody was watching Franklin like a hawk. They called all the time. And fast forward, vamorolone has been approved. Now all other Duchenne boys can come off Prednisone and Deflazacort for this drug. 

Why is the partnership between Burn Boot Camp and MDA important for fundraising and to help families like yourself? 

Jay Griffin: I say that we all are called to serve, and we are all called to use our gifts, our time, our talent, our treasure, our influence, our status, to be a blessing to someone whom we will never meet. It’s important with Burn Boot Camp and MDA because they can use their gifts, that time, talent, treasure, and influence to help kids like Franklin and the other families dealing with muscular dystrophy. And it brings awareness. It brings research. It makes us feel like we’re not alone in this battle, that we’re walking with others in the ultimate goal of providing medicine and meaningful treatments for our kids. So it means a lot. 

Talk to us about your entrepreneurial endeavor and how that’s intertwined with your journey, supporting Franklin and the entire Duchenne community. 

Jay Griffin: I think Neekeesha and I always wanted to be entrepreneurs. I think we always wanted to be business owners, even before Franklin came. We were always on that path, but like I said, it was when Fraser wasn’t eating his green beans at the table and Neekeesha and I were talking about opening up an ice cream shop. We went through the process of opening it and were trying to find financing. We knew what our purpose was because God revealed himself to us in that. When we were looking for financing, Neekeesha’s job, which was in Huntersville corporate office, was going to Houston and they wanted us to move to Houston for her new job. 

But I told her, we’re not moving to Texas. It’s too far. I’m not going that far, number one. Number two, Franklin’s doctors were at Duke. And three, we were looking to open Frozen Kups. And about four days after that, we got the approval from the bank that we were going to get the loan. We got a letter of intent that we can get the loan for the business and we prayed about it and then Frozen Kups opened up. But how these pieces work out is how we’re able to use Frozen Kups as a byproduct to do what we’re called to do, which is to serve. And this was a platform where we, as parents, couldn’t physically make Duchenne go away, but we can use our gifts to be able to bring forth awareness about MDA, Duchenne, and Muscular Dystrophy, and raise money and awareness. It’s all coming full circle for us, and that’s the goal. 

Franklin, how do you feel about MDA and Burn Boot Camp doing all they’re doing to try to raise money? 

Franklin Griffin: I really appreciate what you guys are doing. Not many people know about my disease. And you guys doing that really helps people know about it. And I appreciate that. 

How can a single donation to MDA impact someone? 

Neekeesha Griffin: Donations really help with research. We appreciate MDA too, because they share a lot of upcoming trials and medicines. I get those emails all the time and I’m like, “Jay, did you see this one? Did you see this one that came from MDA?” So, the money helps MDA to be able to send out money to the doctors and scientists so they can do their research. It’s very important because we’re trying to find something that allows these young boys and young girls to have a really great life and not be cut off, shortened by not enough medicine out there to keep them. 

A lot of them have dreams and they have things they’re trying to accomplish, too. My son wants to be an environmental engineer, and I want him to see that. So, I appreciate everything that MDA is doing, all the money for research. I appreciate all of that because one day we want to be able to see him walk across that stage and get his diploma and his degree and say, “Mom, I’m an engineer.” So, I’m hoping that happens. 

Jay Griffin: It’s not necessarily about the amount you give, it’s about the spirit in which you give. It’s you giving that amount and knowing that you’re giving it to an organization that’s rooted in good soil. Burn Boot Camp and MDA are being intentional and communicating what they’re doing, who they’re doing it for, and educating about what MDA is. What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and what diseases will the money go to? When people understand what they’re doing and the heart that you’re given, that’s so much richer when you give, whether it be $5 or $500,000. 

So, I’d just like to say thank you. Often, this doesn’t get talked about, but this is therapeutic for me because this is not just a physical walk, it’s an emotional, psychological walk. Especially for me to know that I have people who are strong, who are advocating and helping us to help our son. And so, the fact that you guys are really tearing down all the strongholds to be intentional about bringing forth meaningful treatment, we appreciate it. 

Why It Matters

Every dollar raised during the ‘Be Their Muscle’ campaign plays a vital role in making a difference in the lives of those battling muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. These funds support groundbreaking research, provide essential care, and offer advocacy for families facing the challenges of these conditions. 

Throughout April, over 300 Burn Boot Camp locations across Burn Nation are coming together to raise awareness and crucial funds in support of MDA. Together, we’re on a mission to accelerate research, enhance care, and advocate for families affected by these debilitating conditions.

Save the Date

We encourage you to mark your calendars for Saturday, April 20th, when participating Burn Boot Camp locations will host the ‘Be Their Muscle’ Camp. Join us for a day of unity, strength, and community as we come together to support this important cause and work towards our goal of raising $1,000,000. 

Special Message from Burn Boot Camp CEO, Morgan Kline

Let’s Make an Impact Together

Your generosity and commitment to helping us create a brighter future for families facing neuromuscular diseases are truly appreciated. Together, let’s kick off April strong and see how much Burn Nation can collectively raise for MDA! 

Thank you for your support and dedication to making a difference in the lives of those affected by muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases.  

Together, we can make a meaningful impact. Donate today at https://betheirmuscle.com/. 

The funds raised during the campaign will contribute significantly to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission. Every dollar is a beacon of hope for those affected by blood cancer, helping to fund critical research, provide education, support patients and their families, and advocate for improved healthcare solutions. Your contributions are a shining light in the fight against the darkness of cancer, making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

During our Giving Tuesday Camp at Burn Boot Camp Lake Norman, Lauren Palmer, mom to two-time AML survivor, Jennings, shared, “My son is a two-time cancer survivor. He was diagnosed when he was two years old and he’s eight now. He’s had a lot of treatment. But the reason he is alive today is because people like you come together and give to organizations as powerful as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.” 

You can read more about Lauren and Jennings’ story in their featured blog post.

On behalf of Burn Boot Camp Headquarters, we would like to extend a sincere thank you to all those who helped contribute to this cause. As we celebrate the collective achievement, let’s acknowledge all the teams and locations that went above and beyond in their fundraising efforts!

Together, Burn Nation has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and families affected by these challenging illnesses. The success of the 2023 Be Their Hero campaign is not just measured in dollars but in the lives touched and the hope restored. As we reflect on this remarkable achievement, let us carry the momentum forward, continuing to be heroes in the lives of those who need it most. If you did not have the opportunity to participate, you can still donate and make a difference through the end of the year.  

Thank You for Being Their Hero! 

In our ongoing series of ‘Be Their Hero’ stories, focused on family journeys of hope and resilience, Devan Kline, the Visionary and Co-Founder of Burn Boot Camp, sat down for a touching conversation with Beth Prus. Beth, a Burn Boot Camp Member at the SouthPark location in Charlotte, NC, and a former Franchise Partner, shared her emotional journey as her nephew, Nathan, battles anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). 

During the interview, Beth recollected Memorial Day weekend of 2022, a pivotal moment when Nathan was admitted to the hospital with what initially seemed to be pneumonia. To the family’s dismay, the diagnosis revealed ALCL, an exceptionally rare form of cancer, especially among children.  

After enduring weeks in the hospital, Nathan underwent six months of chemotherapy, completing his treatments in December 2022, and the family joyously celebrated Christmas with a sense of relief. Beth describes Christmas of 2022 as an amazing celebration of their blessings.  

Unfortunately, in January 2023, test results indicated a sudden recurrence of Nathan’s cancer. Despite the setback, Nathan embarked on a clinical trial featuring a newer cancer drug, Ensartinib, as an alternative approach to keeping the cancer at bay. 

Beth, expressing unwavering determination, stated, “I don’t even imagine a day without him. You just have to believe in the best, and we all do that. We are going to keep going; we got this.” She further explains that having their family within miles has been the best thing, so she can help out in whatever capacity, including taking Nathan to some of his doctor’s appointments or picking up his sister from school. Nathan, a resilient young boy, attends school and participates in his beloved soccer team while combating cancer with remarkable strength each day. 

To hear Beth’s family story in its entirety, you can find the complete podcast here:

As we share Nathan’s journey, let us come together, Burn Nation, in raising awareness and funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS). Collectively, we can offer steadfast support to Nathan as he continues to embrace joy despite his diagnosis, with hope for a cure. 

Every contribution to LLS paves the way for children to enjoy more precious moments at home with their family and friends. Make a difference today by donating to our national fundraising campaign.

In our ongoing series of ‘Be Their Hero’ stories of hope and healing in support of our national fundraising campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society®, we are honored to share the inspiring journey of the Wiggs family. Mother, Ashley, and daughter, Piper, recently sat down with Burn Boot Camp Visionary and Co-Founder, Devan Kline, to talk about Piper’s 2021 diagnosis and the incredible strength that has defined their story. Supported by her loving family, Dad, Rhys, and big brother, Morgan, Piper’s resilience shines brightly.

When Piper and her mother visited Burn Boot Camp Headquarters, the sparkle in Piper’s eyes and her infectious smile served as a testament to her undeniable strength and spirit.

Despite her battle with blood cancer, Piper’s enthusiasm was met with a Blue Carpet warm welcome including pom poms and uplifting music — a fitting display of the love and support she undoubtedly deserves. She spent time doing arts and crafts around the office and making friends with everyone she met.

During Ashley’s interview with Devan, she dove into Piper’s early years, marked by close monitoring due to her congenital combined immunodeficiency. It was in January of 2021, when a concerning drop in her white blood cell counts issued a red flag. Just nine months later, Piper was diagnosed with Neutropenia—a condition characterized by a deficiency of neutrophils—a critical type of white blood cell crucial for combatting certain infections, especially those caused by bacteria.  

Following Piper’s diagnosis, a bone marrow biopsy was conducted to rule out cancer so that Piper could begin Neupogen to battle Neutropenia. To her family’s dismay, Piper was subsequently diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) on September 21, 2021. 

Typically, after the first round of Leukemia treatment, patients will be in remission by the end of the first month of treatment; however, that was not the case for Piper. Persistent cancer cells in her bone marrow biopsy necessitated a second, more rigorous phase of treatment including consolidation which proved to be twice as long as the initial round. 

Fast forward to January 2022, when Piper received the wonderful news of achieving remission following another bone marrow biopsy. Her family was over the moon with the incredible news and as of today, Piper has been in remission for over a year! Ashley shares “I’m grateful to read her bedtime stories at home instead of in a hospital room.” We are grateful for every donation made to LLS, as it plays a pivotal role in enabling kids like Piper to embrace remission and spend their days at home with loved ones, free from hospital confines. 

Check out the complete podcast to hear Ashley share her heart through Piper’s emotional and touching story. Piper even shares some of her favorites including who her favorite superhero is.

Every contribution made allows LLS to continue critical research to fight and make strides towards a cure for blood cancer. Make a difference today by donating to our national fundraising campaign.

Throughout November, we will be sharing personal stories of families affected by blood cancer in support of our ‘Be Their Hero’ fundraising campaign. Our main objective is to raise both awareness and crucial funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) to continue to aid in fighting blood cancer. 

To launch this series, Burn Boot Camp Visionary and Co-Founder, Devan Kline, sat down with Lauren Palmer, a dedicated Member of Burn Boot Camp at the Pineville, NC location. Lauren bravely shared her story, a battle no mother should ever have to go through — the diagnosis of her son, Jennings, with blood cancer back in 2017. 

Lauren vividly recalls that at 36 weeks pregnant with her twins, her family received the life-altering news of a pediatric cancer diagnosis for their then 2.5-year-old son, Jennings. Lauren took him to the pediatrician because he had been recurrently ill with fevers mostly, but also seemed uncomfortable, in pain, and overall, not himself. After almost leaving without a diagnosis, bloodwork was done and that is when they received the news. Jennings was diagnosed with the rarest form of childhood leukemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). The doctors gave them a stark 50/50 chance of survival and he was classified as high risk due to his type of leukemia.  

Jennings embarked on a rigorous course of chemotherapy that included 4 rounds of incredibly toxic chemotherapy with horrible side effects and then a grueling bone marrow transplant. His four-year-old sister at the time, Caroline, was the bone marrow donor. Lauren and her husband, Joel, were adjusting to the curveball life had thrown them with their very sick toddler while also caring for their newborn twins and oldest daughter. They uprooted their entire family to Memphis for Jennings to receive his treatment at St. Jude. 

Jennings fought hard and enjoyed 2.5 years of remission, but sadly in November 2020, his leukemia came roaring back 2 days before Thanksgiving. Jennings was a strong and resilient boy and did it all again. A lot more chemotherapy and another bone marrow transplant. This time, his dad, Joel being the donor. After his transplant, Jennings participated in a cutting-edge clinical trial at Children’s National Hospital and received special t-cells engineered to attack markers that are known to be on the surface of AML cells.  

Today, at 8 years old and in the second grade, Jennings has been in remission again for 2.5 years, relishing all the joys an 8-year-old typically experiences — like playing baseball with his friends. 

In Lauren’s own words, “Even if I never know, I know that sharing our stories, not just me, but all of us sharing our stories, impacts people in ways that we will never understand. And I think it’s just being faithful to do that.” 

Her resilient spirit and tireless advocacy for LLS have played a pivotal role in raising awareness for the fight against blood cancer. Check out the complete podcast to hear Lauren share her heart through her family’s emotional and touching story.

Every contribution to LLS paves the way for children to enjoy more precious moments at home with their family and friends. Make a difference today by donating to our national fundraising campaign.

Shockingly, every three minutes, someone in the U.S. receives the life-altering diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma. These staggering statistics from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society®, the world’s largest voluntary health organization devoted to combating blood cancer, further fuel our desire to raise awareness and funds for this campaign.  

This partnership is not only about raising funds, but also about coming together and rallying to show support throughout Burn Nation. During November, Burn Boot Camp is inviting Members and each community to contribute to this vital cause. The month culminates with an exciting superhero-themed Camp at participating locations on Giving Tuesday, November 28, 2023.  

All proceeds generated during the fundraising campaign will help fund LLS’s mission of curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, thereby enhancing the lives of patients and their families. 

Hear from Burn Boot Camp CEO and Co-Founder, Morgan Kline, as she shares how Burn Nation is full of heroes who want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. In addition, stay tuned to our social channels and podcast for inspiring and heartfelt stories about families and their children affected by blood cancer including some within the Burn Boot Camp community. Seeing how cancer has impacted our Members firsthand, Burn Boot Camp is honored to partner with LLS.   

Join the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® and Burn Boot Camp in the fight with ‘Be Their Hero,’ and donate today by visiting our national fundraising page or find your location’s individual team page.  

Together, we can make a powerful impact so let’s see how much Burn Nation can collectively raise!