“Make a Muscle, Make a Difference!” was the code phrase on Saturday morning, March 3.  “Team Eilers,” consisting of forty-one Academy and Jesuit students, joined together at Al Lopez park for the 2012 Muscular Dystrophy Association “Muscle Walk.” 

Team Eilers raised over $1,700 and placed fourth out of all of the Tampa teams in terms of money gathered. In total the Walk raised over $120,000, surpassing the original goal of $84,000.  The team was also honored with the “Largest Team” award and was given a plaque of recognition for all of their efforts

The MDA Muscle Walk is a series of local walk events across the country held to raise funds for children and adults with MD served by the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This walk raises awareness for children and adults who are affected by Muscular Dystrophy,  and a portion of the money earned is given to help pay for children with MD to attend the yearly MDA Summer Camp.

Team Eilers certainly “made a muscle” by walking two miles around the park and by participating in fun activities, which included face painting and a martial arts show.  Other Tampa teams participated as well as children with Muscular Dystrophy. Zumba was the most popular activity,  and of course,  the Academy girls were the first to show off their moves in the front row.

Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Einstein Bagels donated a delicious breakfast for all of walkers to enjoy.  Each member of the team received an “Make a Muscle” T-shirt.  The walk was quite a success and each team left with a smile on their faces as they certainly lived up to the walk’s motto “make a muscle, make a difference”.