Lifelong friendships made at MDA summer camp

GREEN LAKE - Casey Stark and Carrie Masse met each other just 10 years ago when Carrie became Casey's camp counselor.

"I love her. She's more like a best friend than a counselor. I feel like I've known her my whole life," said Casey Stark.

Casey and her sister Maddi have been coming to MDA camp in Green Lake every summer since. The Oshkosh sisters both have a form of muscular dystrophy called spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and they both have wheelchairs.

But here at camp that doesn't stop them from anything.

"All activities are specially designed so everyone can do them. Your ability doesn't get in the way of anything and you feel normal for the week. Possibilities are endless," said Stark.

As her volunteer Carrie helps Casey through it all. From morning to night. Sleeping in the same cabin and assisting her in every activity.

"Probably the most helpful thing she does is make me laugh. She does outrageous things. I don't think there's a minute I'm not laughing at something she's doing," said Stark.

The memories over the last 10 years have piled up. Parties and proms, costumes and campfires… but it's all about to come to an end for this pair.

"It's going to be an emotional week. Feel like I've cried already three times," said Carrie Masse.

MDA Camp is only for kids ages 6 to 17. And with Casey headed off to college, this is her last week here.

So they made the most of their time this year, doing the activities Casey loves best.

Lots of time in the arts and crafts room and a ride on the pontoon boat.

And as camp for this pair comes to a close, the effects of it will continue.

"You really understand the meaning of usefulness to your fellow man. I try to take what I learn her at camp and apply it outside," said Masse.

"The time here is really special to me. This place has given me so much. Friends. New outlook on life. I'm really going to miss it next year," said Stark.