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DIVING A DREAM EXHIBIT - scuba diving Matt - 07-30-2008
The Florida Keys History of Diving Museum, Inc.
Mans Quest to Explore Under the Sea
82990 Overseas Hwy â MM 83
Islamorada, FL 33036
Phones: 305-664-9737/fax 664-9736 Email: divingmuseum@aol.com Website:
âDIVING A DREAM EXHIBITâ
Background:
A dream became a reality for Matthew Johnston in Nov. of 2006. Matt suffers from Duchenneâs muscular dystrophy; he is now a quadriplegic, permanently on a ventilator to sustain his life. Since childhood in Minnesota, Mattâs has dreamed of diving in the Florida Keys - despite the odds. It took years of planning, preparation and the generosity of many good people for Matt to fulfill his dream to SCUBA dive in the ocean.
A recent segment of the âTodayâ show documented Mattâs progression towards realization of his dream dive.
Whatâs Next?
Now Matt has another dream. He has donated his specialized, one-of-a-kind diving outfit to the History of Diving Museum, hoping that we would create a special exhibit to show other handicapped individuals that they can also accomplish the seemingly impossible. âIt not just for me - itâs for all the other people who have a dream of doing something that others say canât be done.â
The dream will also come true for Matt at The History of Diving Museum.
WHAT: An Unveiling Exhibit Reception of âDiving A Dreamâ
A Wine & Cheese Event - Showing of NBCâs âTodayâ segment.
WHERE: The History of Diving Museum â MM82.9 â Bayside
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008 @ 7PM
RSVP: 305.664.9737 or Claire@divingmuseum.org
COST: $25. Per person / Donations will be accepted and appreciated
What is needed?
Help the Museum fulfill Mattâs dream: the estimated cost for the production of the âDiving a Dream Exhibitâ will run between $15,000 - $18,000. Your donations to the exhibit and for the Exhibit Preview Reception will help us defray this cost. Your donation will help us commemorate this manâs courageous dive on a ventilator.
Urgency: Duchenneâs muscular dystrophy affects mostly males and the average life expectancy is about 30 years of age. Matthew Johnston turned 31 in January 2008.