Hayley Morris had been playing softball and volleyball alongside her friend and teammate Chandler Danielson from the time she was six years old, but when Morris was 13, she was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia, a disease characterized by the weakening of muscles in the arms and legs.
When the two girls were freshmen, Danielson, class president at the time, wanted the Student Government Association to do something to benefit Morris. She came up with the idea of hosting a 5K race to be known as the Hayley Hustle.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association, an organization that raises money for research to find a cure for muscular dystrophy, was the only organization that raises funds for victims of Friedreich’s Ataxia, so Danielson decided money raised from the Hayley Hustle would go to sponsor Morris and other area children to attend a week-long MDA summer camp.
“Even though it is only a week long, the camp is special because the campers get to forget about the reality of their situation and just have fun. They have events like ziplining, swimming and square dancing, and it is all adapted to meet their needs,” Danielson, now a senior, said.
Morris and Danielson are currently seniors and will graduate in June. Danielson is currently student body president. Next week they will participate in the 4th annual Hayley Hustle 5K in the school’s stadium. This year’s event will begin at 9 a.m. May 10. It will be a color run.
Morris, who has attended the camp four times, appreciated the work done on her behalf. “MDA camp was the best week of my summer. I am thankful for the friends I have made through MDA because they are all kids with muscular dystrophy that know exactly what I go through,” Morris said.
In the spring of 2013 the Hayley Hustle expanded from the 5K to include a Pig Pickin’ and silent auction. SGA members and other volunteers spent Saturdays soliciting auction donations from community businesses, mapping the race course, designing T-shirts, brochures and posters, and packaging items for the silent auction.
“I had the privilege of helping out with planning, organizing and preparing for the Hayley Hustle,” Morris said. “I saw all the hard work, time and effort that went into the event, and it just made me even more grateful for my peers and teachers.”
In 2013 the money raised by the Hayley Hustle exceeded $12,400. “I am blessed to have been a part of this event for an outstanding charity. MDA has changed my life,” Morris said.
By Anne Ignizio
