Every year, UCA and UDA join forces with MDA to help raise money by performing at the Jerry Lewis Telethon, a charity that raises money for people with Muscular Dystrophy. Last year, UCA and UDA donated $40,000 to help the fight, bringing the grand total to $63.8 million raised in contributions and pledges that year alone.

77.4% of every dollar MDA spends goes directly to research, health care services and education. The rest goes to fundraising and administration.

Allie Williams, a cheerleader from Redemptorist High School, was diagnosed with CMT when she was seven years old and is thankful for the money UCA has helped raised for MDA. "Every penny that is donated goes towards a good cause, whether it is for the many physical therapy sessions we attend, or the braces we have to wear" says Allie.

Allie is now 15 years old and has learned a lot about her condition. She has discovered that, CMT is neuromuscular disease that causes a lot of weakness and tightness in the legs, feet, hands and arms. It also causes muscle wasting. It damages the peripheral nerves which carry signals from the brain to the spine and muscles. But it hasn't slowed her down. Her doctors and parents never thought she would be able to cheer and play sports like she does today.

Allie says, that she gets hurt a lot but, it is partly because of the CMT.

She had knee surgery this summer but made sure to schedule it after she attended UCA cheer camp to ensure she would be able to compete with her squad from Redemptorist High School. At camp, her squad received 1st place in home pom, Camp Champs for cheer, and was recognized as a superior squad.

"Camp really gave our squad the opportunity to learn new things and more importantly come together as a squad," says Allie.  "Each day we are challenged to achieve the unexpected, which we do with the help of our instructors, coaches, and big brother/sister."

"The instructors were all amazing throughout the camp.  They have a way of encouraging you to do our best and never give up.  They are also very well trained and always make sure we do everything correctly and safely.  Over all, it was a great camp experience."

Inspiration from others pushes Allie to fight her illness each day. "When I got to the doctor, of course they tell me it is getting a little worse every time, but that just gives me even more of a drive to push through and do what I want to do. When my doctor told me that I would never be able to tumble, I thought to myself 'watch me' and I did. I am close to a round off back handspring by myself! My neurologist backs me 100%. Thanks Dr. Golden! I guess this has actually taught me something. It has taught me to never give up on your dreams no matter what and DREAM BIG!!!"

"I want to say thanks again to UCA and UDA. Every penny counts!"