Beyond the borders of your abilities – mission possible!

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Summer is a great time to travel and explore new places. Unfortunately, traveling is not always possible for people with neuromuscular disorders in Bulgaria. The reason for this is because of the inaccessible environment and difficult access to many touristic places. In the last few years thanks to different voluntary organizations like the association “Ela i Ti” (“Come and you”), traveling and visiting inaccessible places become possible for people with NMD. One of the latest exciting trips, which was organized by the association was in the cave “Bacho Kiro” in Dryanovo – Bulgarian city, situated in the Gabrovo Province.

Ms. Gergana Doychinova, founder of the voluntary organization “Ela i Ti” (“Come and you”), organized a visit to the cave “Bacho Kiro” for 15 people with neuromuscular disorders and other physical impairments. The main purpose was to provide an opportunity for people with NMD to visit a place, which is not accessible and impossible to reach in other circumstances. In this way they were able to go beyond the borders of their abilities and to feel the unique atmosphere of one of the most beautiful caves in Bulgaria. This incredible journey was funded by the project “Social Innovations”, established by Sofia Municipality. This visits was possible thanks to the support of many volunteers from the “Mountain rescue” team from Pazardzik Province and “Cave rescue” team as well as many other volunteers across the state. One of the main aims of Gergana and “Ela i Ti” (“Come and you”) is to create united network of support and cooperation between volunteers, who have the abilities to help people with neuromuscular disorders to reach inaccessible places. This happened during the visit to the cave “Bacho Kiro”. People with NMD were able to see the incredible species of animal population and to take a closer look to the amazing cave’s formations. This joyful experience was shared with the volunteers, who helped them to go beyond the borders of their physical abilities.

Ms. Gergana Doychinova shared the following for this unique experience: “The main purpose of this event is not only to show to people with NMD places, which is difficult to reach in other way, but to make them to feel part of a network of support, establishing new friendships. They are creating new friends and they are sharing their unique experience with other people.”. This helps to increase the adventurous spirit and to make people living with NMD to believe that everything is possible. This positive life perspective is helping people to feel part of a group of supporters and to believe in their dreams. The next stop for this incredible team of dreamers is Prohodna cave, which is famous for the nickname “The eyes of God”. Visiting such amazing places, people with neuromuscular disorders feel included in the society and they are happy to share their wonderful experience with other people. This kind of visits proves the facts that we are valuable members of the community and we deserve to live in a non-biased society, cooperating with supporters, like the volunteers from “Ela i Ti” (“Come and you”).

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BNMDA Summer Camp 2018

Bulgarian Association for Neuromuscular Diseases organizes Annual Summer Camp for people with Neuromuscular disorders. The camp is appropriate for people with NMD from all ages. The Summer Camp will start on 23rd of July 2018 and it will take place in Minkovi Bani, hotel complex in Montana Province, northwestern part of Bulgaria. The hotel complex is close to the mountain peak Todorini Kukli and it provides good opportunities to spend nice and relaxing time close to the nature.

This place is deliberately chosen. It attracts people with NMD with accessible environment, clean air, beautiful nature, different opportunities for spa and rehabilitation procedures and 3 swimming pools with mineral water, which enhance the rehabilitation process. Also it provides many opportunities for entertainment. During the camp Bulgarian Association for Neuromuscular Diseases organizes interactive games, which help participants to get to know each other better and to develop their physical abilities. There is annual exhibition at the end of the Summer Camp and all participants have to paint something or do some kind of art, in order to take part in it. This exhibition is one of the most important events during the camp. Everyone has to present its art and there are awards for all participants. Also during the Summer Camp Bulgarian Association for Neuromuscular Diseases organizes different activities for entertainment. The second evening in the Summer Camp is called “Evening of the talents”. During this evening participants with special talent (people, who can sing, act or write) represent their work and organize performance for the whole group. Also every day there are different games and all participants have to be involved in them. At the end of the Summer Camp there is farewell party. This Summer Camp is great opportunity for people with NMD to meet new friends and to exchange useful information.

Bulgarian Association for Neuromuscular Diseases has organized the Annual Summer Camp more than 10 years. The main purpose of the camp is to gather together people with NMD and to help them to cooperate between each other. This camp also provides opportunity for people with NMD to present their work and to become more involved in the organization. That’s why Bulgarian Association for Neuromuscular Diseases receive special award for the organization of the Summer Camp from the Bulgarian journalistic community. The Annual Summer Camp helps people with NMD in Bulgaria to enjoy nice activities during the summer and to feel that they are part of bigger community.

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