Camp Hendon News

Camp Hendon recently bestowed a special honor, and a brand-new title, on a former member of the board of directors.

The honor recognizes Dr. Vasti Broadstone as the organization’s very first Director Emerita. Dr. Broadstone has devoted decades of service to Camp Hendon as both a strategic leader and director of medical care.
Dr. Broadstone is a practicing endocrinologist at Joslin Diabetes Center through Baptist Health Floyd in New Albany.

“Camp Hendon is an immensely grateful recipient of long-standing volunteer support,” stated Executive Director Megan Cooper. “Dr. Broadstone is a passionate member of our community and she has given immeasurable time, talent, and treasure for the benefit of children with Type 1 Diabetes.”  

Past members of the board who have served Camp Hendon in extraordinary ways are eligible for recognition as a Director Emeritus. Those nominated for this honor will have made a distinct mark on Camp Hendon through their leadership, and have departed the board in good standing.

Dr. Broadstone is well-suited to become the first Director Emerita. She was first named as Camp Hendon’s Medical Director in 1981. At the time, it was a shared responsibility with Dr. Duncan McMillan. In 1983, Dr. Broadstone took over as the sole Medical Director and remained in this role until 2017. Under her tenure, over 1,200 children with Type 1 Diabetes attended Camp Hendon.

When Camp Hendon was re-formed in 2010 as the Kentucky Diabetes Camp for Children, Inc., an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit, Dr. Broadstone was named the founding Chairperson of the Board of Directors. She remained an active member of the Board until 2020. She also returned to volunteer as a medical provider at summer camp year after year.

In her role as Director Emerita, Dr. Broadstone may continue to serve on volunteer committees. She also has an open invitation to attend board meetings, but with no vote and no responsibilities.
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Dr. Broadstone’s commitment to both Camp Hendon and the diabetes community at large makes it clear that she has certainly earned this privilege, and Camp Hendon is forever grateful, and better, for her service.
Congratulations, Dr. Broadstone!

What made you decide to volunteer at Camp Hendon and how long have you been volunteering?
I have been volunteering at Camp Hendon since 2017. My girlfriend at the time (now married) Megan encouraged me to be an adult counselor, and so did Bryan Fallon. Megan is the Executive Director for Camp Hendon, and at the time Bryan was the Board Chair. Megan and Bryan conspired to get me and Bryan’s brother Mike to volunteer together. Mike and I each agreed individually to volunteer on the condition that the other person was already committed, and it worked!

What is your role at camp?
Adult Counselor / Den Leader

Why do you come back year after year? What do you get from camp or how has it impacted your life?
I love seeing the kids, and I know how important it is to them. Knowing the challenges they overcome every day is truly an inspiration and I enjoy supporting them. I have been following the same group each year and really love every single one of them.

What is your favorite activity at camp and why?
My favorite part of camp is recapping the day with each kiddo and tucking them into bed at night. It is just nice to see their individual personalities come out after a long busy day of interacting in the larger group. It is a brief but sweet moment that motivates me to make the most of every experience with them. I also enjoy identifying individual skills and talents of the volunteer staff and working with them to help support the team. I guess I enjoy being a coach.

What are some things you have learned or taken away from camp?
These kids and their parents are heroes. They can accomplish anything as long as they manage their T1D instead of letting T1D manage them.

What do you do in your real life when you’re not giving your time to Camp Hendon?
I run US Logistics operations for Amgen, which is a pharmaceutical manufacturing company. I also love the outdoors and travel. Most of all I love spending time with my wife and baby girl Rosalie. I also play and sing in multiple bands with my twin brother Aaron. Someday I am going to convince him to come to camp with me, and I know it will change his life too!
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Do you have any skills or talents that many may not know about you?
I happen to be Megan Cooper’s trophy husband… although everyone already knows that. :)