Kentucky Diabetes Camp for Children receives $25,000 grant from Anthem Foundation

Funding will allow nearly 400 kids with Type 1 Diabetes and their families to attend Camp Hendon for safe, fun, educational camp experiences after a year of cancellations due to COVID-19.

(LOUISVILLE, Ky., September 1, 2021) “Summer Camp and Beyond” is the premise for the Kentucky Diabetes Camp for Children’s use of a new $25,000 grant from the Anthem Foundation. The Kentucky Diabetes Camp for Children, better known as “Camp Hendon,” offers medical camping programs to youth with Type 1 Diabetes and their families in the Kentucky region and beyond. After cancelling all in-person programs in 2020 and early 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Camp Hendon was able to bring 106 children with Type 1 Diabetes back to summer camp in June and July.

Type 1 Diabetes, or T1D, is an autoimmune disorder that mostly strikes during childhood and puts families in a state of constant vigilance to avoid extreme high or low blood sugars. The disease can be deadly, but programs like Camp Hendon exist to empower youth to take control of their journey with diabetes. Children gain not only practical skills to help manage Type 1 Diabetes, but they experience the camaraderie of others who intimately understand the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis. Both the physical and emotional support provided by Camp Hendon boost campers’ interest in and ability to care for themselves. Camp Hendon’s programs also give parents a much-needed reprieve from the 24/7 stress of managing a chronic condition, and peace of mind knowing that their children are under constant medical supervision. 

The Anthem Foundation’s support of “Summer Camp and Beyond” will fund children and families attending camp programs and receiving this essential educational and emotional support. “Camp Hendon is truly magical: not only does it provide Lucas with normalcy and fun at camp and events throughout the year, but it also provides me with the emotional support and friendships needed while parenting my way through the diagnosis. We are very grateful for organizations like Anthem, who are generous in donating to Camp Hendon, so they can continue supporting all of our families,” says Stephanie Schneidtmiller, the parent of a camper who first became affiliated with Camp Hendon three years ago through their family program. Camp Hendon’s goal is to send 382 participants to camp programs over the course of the year.

“The life of a child with diabetes can be incredibly isolating,” says Camp Hendon Executive Director Megan Cooper, “but when they arrive at camp and for the first time in their life they are surrounded by other kids feeling the exact same thing, it is an unbelievably powerful experience. It can change a child’s whole outlook when they realize they aren’t alone. Our thanks to the Anthem Foundation for helping make this a reality cannot be overstated.”

For three years running, the Anthem Foundation has supported Camp Hendon in their growth and programming. The Foundation’s total giving to the Kentucky nonprofit has surpassed $75,000, with their most recent $25,000 grant made in 2021.

“The generosity of the Anthem Foundation continues to amaze us, year after year,” says Cooper. “The Foundation understands the value of what happens at camp, and they are a dedicated partner in easing the burdens of Type 1 Diabetes in our youth.”

“The Anthem Foundation is pleased to support Camp Hendon because their work to help Kentucky’s kids manage the physical and emotional aspects of T1D mirrors our commitment to whole person health,” says Kentucky Anthem Foundation Manager Morgan Coleman. “The lessons learned, memories created, and friendships formed will be with these kids for the rest of their lives.”

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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. Primary programs include summer camp for youth with diabetes ages 8 – 17, Family Camp for youth with diabetes ages 6 – 13 as well as their siblings, parents, and other caregivers, and a Teen Retreat for teens ages 13 – 17 with diabetes. 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
mcooper@camphendon.org
919-357-1956

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