Imagine for a moment knowing that within months you will lose your voice forever. This is the reality for Lisa.

Lisa’s voice is weaker than it was in 2014 when she was first diagnosed with ALS. Commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, ALS affects the parts of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movement, including the ability to speak.

The team at Pine Tree Society is working with Lisa to set up tools that will allow her to communicate in her own voice after she loses the ability to talk.

Pine Tree Society’s speech language pathologists are recording Lisa’s voice into a message bank. Because she is losing the ability to use her arms and hands, we are teaching Lisa to use eye tracking technology. Eye tracking is a perfect fit for people who are unable to physically use a computer mouse or type on a keyboard. A special camera picks up light reflections from Lisa’s pupils and translates that movement into the movement of her mouse cursor. Lisa can then select the item by staring at the screen for a length of time and blinking. Through the use of eye motion, she’ll be able to select words, letters and icons on a device to communicate what she wishes to say from her personalized message bank.

Kick off your summer with friends, food, the great Maine outdoors and – best of all – the knowledge that you’re helping Maine kids and adults with disabilities attend a summer camp that means the world to them. Get ready for the Bath Savings Institution Paddle for Pine Tree Camp!  

Last year, 99% of campers received full or partial scholarships. Since it began in 1945, no camper has ever been turned away due to inability to pay tuition. Every summer, about 650 people attend Pine Tree Camp. By participating in the Paddle for Pine Tree Camp, you give people the opportunity to experience a transformational, barrier-free summer camp experience.