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Camila Brito's Story

Camila was born prematurely and had to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Doctors were puzzled with her case and after battling for 3.5 months in the NICU, she was diagnosed with Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (cDM1). As parents, we (Elena & Jesus) were overwhelmed by the complexity of cDM1 and the prognosis for Camila and other family members. The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF) was, and still is, key to navigating the many aspects of care for this rare genetic condition.

Camila is now 9-years-old and has cognitive and physical challenges, but also has defied many of the initial doctor’s predictions. Thanks to MDF, we have become educated about the disease which helped us to improve her quality of life. We are hopeful there will be a cure for Myotonic Dystrophy, a degenerative disease whose symptoms increase with age and grow more severe with each generation.

Camila is a fighter! She is not verbal, but it is amazing what you can learn from her. She has reduced facial expressions, but her joyfulness is contagious. She has mobility limitations, but it is hard to keep up with her. She might have a shorter life expectancy, but is a motivation for us to help advance the MDF mission to enhance the quality of life for people living with myotonic dystrophy and advance research focused on treatments and an eventual cure.

About Jesus Brito as a Bonsai Artist

Jesus’ journey in Bonsai started in Caracas (Venezuela) around 2006, studying the curriculum at the “Venezuelan Bonsai Society” largely focused on aesthetic. After a hiatus when he moved to the USA in 2007, he restarted with the hobby around 2010 but mainly self-taught using books and videos. Later, Jesus joined local clubs (Broward Bonsai Society in 2014 and Gold Coast Bonsai in 2015) to improve on technical aspects and to learn more about local species. He has taken workshops with prominent bonsai artists like Nacho Marin, Juan Andrade, Suthin Sukosolvisit, Tyler Sherrod, Pedro Morales, Boon Manakitivipart, which he continues to take from time to time to further his bonsai studies and skills.

Jesus’ work has been displayed at state and national exhibits, including the Bonsai Society of Florida (BSF) convention, American Bonsai Society (ABS) Convention, US National Bonsai Exhibit (2016, 2018), and at the Walt Disney World EPCOT Bonsai display (2015 thru 2022). His trees have received several awards including:

Best Tree and Pot Combo Award (2016, Joy of Bonsai)
BSF President Award (2016, BSF Convention)
BSF President Award (2018, BSF Convention)
Most Creative Display (2018, Komorebi)
Ed Trout Award (2019, Komorebi)
All American Award (2019, Komorebi)

What is World Bonsai Day?

World Bonsai Day is a very special event internationally sponsored by the World Bonsai Friendship Federation and is held on the second Saturday in May of each year. It’s celebration of the art form but also to promote friendship through bonsai.

On May 14, 2022, D&L Bonsai Nursery in Ocala, Florida is having their 7th Annual Customer Appreciation/World Bonsai Day event. Starting at 9 a.m., there will be demonstrations all day long by Jesus Brito, Chris Cozensa, and Randy Clark. It’s a day full of fun, with Bonsai Exhibit, demos, food for lunch and vendor area. There will be raffles all day along with an auction of demo trees.

All proceeds will be going to the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation. A cause close to our hearts and especially Jesus’ whose daughter, Camila has myotonic dystrophy.

Why Support the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation?

The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF) is the leading global advocate helping patients and families navigate the myotonic dystrophy (DM) disease process, and is often the first resource contacted by newly-diagnosed patients, their families, their social workers and their physicians around the world. For many patients, the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation is often the first or only resource they are able to locate, and MDF has provided assistance and support for people living with DM in more than 139 countries around the world.

The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation is honored to be chosen as this year's D&L World Bonsai Day charity. Your generous donations will help MDF provide the best support to families like the Britos, who are a wonderful example of the strength, resilience, and joy of the DM community.

Learn more about myotonic dystrophy or the work we do at the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation.

In honor of World Bonsai Day, please consider making a donation to MDF, D&L Bonsai Nursery’s 2022 nonprofit beneficiary!