According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s website, muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited disorders that involves muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue, which get worse over time.

“I did the telethon commercial with Mike Bush from KSDK- TV Channel 5,” she said of her role. “It was exciting just being on television and being interviewed.”

Her mother, Candy Carpenter, is Brittany’s biggest supporter. 

“It was awesome,” said Candy of the advertisement. “Brittany wants to meet Johnny Depp; she’s a little star.”

Brittany is an example of one of the District’s values – “We will create an inclusive learning climate that meets the needs of a diverse community.” 

Her cousin, Jimmy Munce, showed an August episode of KSDK’s program, Show Me St. Louis, on his smartphone. In the show, Brittany is shown riding horses at Jamestown New Horizons as part of her therapy. Jamestown New Horizons, located between Jamestown Mall and Jamestown Elementary School, provides therapeutic riding for children with disabilities in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

“I love how sweet they are. You’re on the back of this huge animal but they are very nice. I love animals,” explained Brittany. She also enjoys drawing, painting and playing outside. 

Seventh-grade counselor Cymonda Larry explained the school is in the planning stage of its own fundraiser for Brittany, possibly a dress-down day for students and staff members, with the proceeds going to MDA.

“I’m very proud of her,” said her mother. “She’s just amazing to me. The things she can do now that she couldn’t do before and that the doctors said she couldn’t do. She says, ‘Mom, I don’t mind that I can’t walk or that I have never walked because then I would never have met my special friends.’” 

“She’s always positive,” said Larry. “She never lets her disability get her down.”

The 46th Annual MDA Telethon raised almost $61.5 million, approximately $2.6 million more than in 2010.