JoJo's New Normal
"Normal” was an idea that seemed very much out of reach a few years ago for JoAnna "JoJo" Campbell, 5. JoAnna was born with a rare type of muscular dystrophy known as Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (UCMD). It is a progressive, severe form of the disease that leaves most unable to walk by adolescence. The coronavirus pandemic has made life even more challenging for the kindergartner, but she takes on each of life's challenges head-on with a positive outlook and big personality.
Trenton Campbell, 11, center, waits for his sister, JoAnna "JoJo" Campbell, 5, to maneuver her motorized wheel chair out of the family van as mom, Celia Tenbarge, closes the hatch at Cynthia Heights Elementary School in August.
After more than two weeks away from each other recovering from COVID-19, Celia Tenbarge, left, gives her daughter, JoAnna, 5, a smooch in October. Five family members tested positive for the virus including Celia, stepdad Adam, both grandparents on her mother's side and her aunt. JoAnna.
Kindergartner JoAnna Campbell, 5, works with her teacher's aide, Patti Batten, on a writing assignment before heading out to the playground for recess at Cynthia Heights Elementary School in November. When the school learned JoAnna was coming to their school, they built asphalt trails that would be wheelchair friendly.
JoAnna creates chalk art on the sidewalk of her dad's Newburgh, Ind., home in October. Stepmom McKena Campbell and she were taking advantage of the unseasonably warm mid-October weather to play with the dogs, make art and have pretend play with princess action figures.
Physical Therapist Karen Lawson works on flexibility exercises with JoAnna at Center for Pediatric Therapy in September. JoAnna's Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD) weakens her skeletal muscles – those used for movement – and can cause stiff joints among other issues.
Megan Butto's kindergarten class heads back to class after recess using the asphalt trails that are new to Cynthia Heights Elementary School in November. Upon learning one of their students, JoAnna Campbell, was going to be attending, the school built the asphalt paths and upgraded the playground.
Kindergarten classmates Teddy Romerhausen, left, and Azuri Marion, right, celebrate the baked goods coming out of their pretend bakery with JoAnna Campbell during recess at Cynthia Heights Elementary School in November.
Stepbrother Olan Tenbarge, 14, pulls out the bulging eyes glasses to entertain JoAnna, 5, before dinner.
Celia Tenbarge, second right, receives a hug from her mom, Cheri Wannemuehler, as the rest of the family celebrates the big announcement Celia was expecting another child. "Taco Tuesday" is a regular occurrence at the Tenbarge home, but this was the first one they had had in about a month after five family members had tested positive for COVID-19.
JoAnna Campbell, 5, relaxes before bed with mom and stepdad, Celia and Adam Tenbarge while watching an episode of "Sugar Rush" in their Evansville home in November. Even with all of the challenges the family has been dealing with in this year of the coronavirus, they have many reasons to be thankful.