June 10 , 2008

Bella Demaio, 17, and Colin Iehle, 18, enjoyed one of Southwest Florida's most sought after activities - a boat ride on a gorgeous day - as much as any vibrant teenagers. But Demaio is managing Down's syndrome, and Iehle contends with Pervasive Developmental Delay, a form of Cerebral Palsy. So the boating excursion they took last Saturday was a rarity for them; a short but welcome respite from the enormous, everyday challenges of living. The trip was due to a good natured conspiracy between local massage therapist Pete Campo, the Iona McGregor Fire District, the Fort Myers Boat Club and Buckingham Exceptional Student Center. It was Campo's third trip on his pontoon boat with disabled children.

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