The letter from the Yeshiva University student began simply: "I'm writing to tell you about an amazing story.  My name is Michael Celler, I am from Livingston and I have been a counselor at Camp HASC for the past two summers . . ." 

The letter went on to say that Celler was planning to run in the Miami ING Marathon and was looking for sponsorship.  But as Celler went on to tell his story, it became clear that the inspiration for his letter, a 16-year-old Passaic boy named Zack Pollak and Camp HASC (where they met) truly were amazing.

The Hebrew Academy for Special Children (Camp HASC ) in upstate New York has a 7-week summer program with a message for the campers: Nothing is impossible.   This is an unusual philosophy for a program that caters to 300 mentally and physically handicapped children.  However, according to Celler, it's the secret to Camp HASC's success.

"People make huge strides there," Celler reports enthusiastically.  "In seven weeks they can accomplish stuff that took them all year to accomplish at home.  The Mantra at camp is: there are no disabilities at Camp HASC."

HASC's website offers the following description of what takes place at their camp: "Campers are able to participate in the full range of recreational activities including (but not limited to) sports, swimming, field trips, night activities, roller skating, carnivals, concerts and mainstream social programs with other camps.

As result, these special youngsters and adults gain skills beyond the scope of parental expectations while enjoying normalizing activities in a stress free social environment."

Perhaps with the "No Disabilities" mantra in mind, Pollak and Celler have decided to run the half- Miami ING Marathon on January 30, 2011.  How will they accomplish it?

"My running partner (Zack) has cerebral palsy, and utilizes a wheelchair to get around," Celler explains in the letter. "I will be pushing him the entire 13 mile marathon . . . we will cross the finish line together."

Celler maintains that the money raised will directly benefit Camp HASC.  People wishing to sponsor the Pollak-Cellar team can click on the following link: http://www.hasc.net/marathon/my/mceller

According to Celler, Camp HASC is an extraordinary place for many reasons.  "HASC is a big umbrella organization that caters to people with special needs all year long," he says.  "The camp is for people who can't be mainstreamed into regular camp.  People have autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy.  (The camp) can accommodate everything."  But with 300 campers, and a camper/counselor ratio of 1:1 –totaling 600 – "it can be overwhelming," he admits. 

Celler began working with the special needs population in 2005, through a Livingston-based organization called The Friendship Circle.  After high school graduation, he was recruited to work as a HASC counselor through an Israeli organization.  Now a junior in the entrepreneurship program at Yeshiva University, Celler continues to work at HASC during the summer because "It's rewarding work.  We (counselors) are paid but we don't do it for the money," he reports.  "A lot of the counselors give their checks to charity."

Not surprisingly, Celler met Pollak last summer at Camp HASC.  Celler remembers that Pollak "was one of the most popular people at camp.  He knows he has challenges but he tries to overcome it every step of the way.  It's inspiring.  A lot of people feel connected to him, the way he sees life."

To see a video of Pollak, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLLr820-QTc

Celler describes Camp HASC as "the happiest place I've ever seen."  He goes on to say, "I saw one of my campers kick his feet for the first time this summer.  One said their first word.  Cool stuff like this goes on every day."