Camp Hendon News

Kentucky Diabetes Camp offers education and support to families affected by Type 1 Diabetes

(Louisville, Ky., December 10, 2019) Living with Type 1 Diabetes can be isolating and full of uncertainty for anyone, let alone a child. That is why Camp Hendon, the Kentucky Diabetes Camp for Children, offers educational summer camp and year-round support programs for children with Type 1 Diabetes and their families. Now, with $25,000 from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Camp Hendon can further develop these life-changing programs. Anthem’s funds will help to cover the cost of the facilities and supplies that are critical to executing summer camp, teen camp, and other year-round programs. This includes the cost to feed, house, and provide medical support to over 200 campers and over 100 volunteers.

“Camp Hendon fosters the growth of emotional and social skills, and importantly, no one is singled out as ‘the diabetic.’ Anthem understands how valuable this is, and is a tremendous supporter of our programs and bringing these families together,” says Executive Director Megan Cooper.

Type 1 Diabetes, sometimes referred to as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the pancreas fails to produce insulin that is vital to processing sugar in the body. Improper management of Type 1 Diabetes can lead to life-threatening complications. The “Diabetes Camp Matters” study by Dr. Jill Weissberg-Benchell at the Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago shows that attending three or more weeklong diabetes camping programs can significantly improve physical and emotional outcomes for children battling the disease.

For most of the children who attend Camp Hendon, the likelihood of knowing another child with diabetes at their school or in their community is slim.

“When these kids get to camp and are surrounded by 130 other Type 1 Diabetics, their outlook on this disease can completely shift. Realizing that they are not alone has lifelong implications,” says Cooper. “We could not be more grateful to have Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield as a sponsor, and with their support we look forward to making our programs even more impactful.”

Camp Hendon currently offers two weeks of summer camp, a weekend Family Retreat, and a weekend Teen Retreat. In addition to camping programs, Camp Hendon also brings female caregivers together once a month for education and emotional support, and offers fun camper reunion events throughout the year.
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Dr. Jeff Reynolds, medical director for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky, says supporting Camp Hendon is a part of their Healthy Generations program. “Anthem partners with nonprofits across Kentucky that share our commitment to creating a healthier generation of Americans. Over the years, Camp Hendon has shown inspiring dedication to their campers and families. We’re proud to help them serve these kids.”
 
About Kentucky Diabetes Camp for Children, Inc. dba Camp Hendon
 
Camp Hendon is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, tax ID 27-3619275. Our mission is to give children with diabetes life-changing experiences, empowering each of them to take control of their unique journey. Family Camp will take place from May 9 – 10, 2020 at Aldersgate Camp in Ravenna, KY. 2020 summer sessions will take place June 28 – July 3 at Camp Loucon in Leitchfield, KY and from July 12-17 at Aldersgate Camp in Ravenna, KY. Children ages 8 to 17 with diabetes are welcome and financial aid is available. Visit us online for more information at www.CampHendon.org. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
 
Media Contact:
Megan Cooper
Executive Director
[email protected]
502-272-2370 (office)