DIVING A DREAM EXHIBIT

[scuba diving Matt]

The Florida Keys History of Diving Museum, Inc.
Mans Quest to Explore Under the Sea



82990 Overseas Hwy – MM 83

Islamorada, FL    33036
Phones:  305-664-9737/fax 664-9736    Email: divingmuseum@aol.com Website:  


“DIVING A DREAM EXHIBIT”
Background: 
A dream became a reality for Matthew Johnston in Nov. of 2006.  Matt suffers from Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy; he is now a quadriplegic, permanently on a ventilator to sustain his life.  Since childhood in Minnesota, Matt’s 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 “Today” show documented Matt’s progression towards realization of his dream dive.   

What‘s 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. “It not just for me - it’s for all the other people who have a dream of doing something that others say can’t be done.”

The dream will also come true for Matt at The History of Diving Museum.

WHAT:          An Unveiling Exhibit Reception of “Diving A Dream”
                        A Wine & Cheese Event - Showing of NBC’s “Today” segment.
WHERE:      The History of Diving Museum – MM82.9 – 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 Matt’s dream: the estimated cost for the production of the “Diving a Dream Exhibit” 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 man’s courageous dive on a ventilator. 

Urgency: Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy affects mostly males and the average life expectancy is about 30 years of age. Matthew Johnston turned 31 in January 2008.