Health Center

The Health Center is the most important building at the camp because it ensures that treatment can continue and medical issues can be addressed. It will provide 24-hour care by specialized doctors and nurses so campers can push their limits, but not their health.

The entire camp will be built to allow access to children of all abilities to participate. The Health Center will be equipped to assist campers with their daily medical needs while keeping the focus on enjoying the camp experience.

We will serve children and families suffering from the following diseases:

Cancer

Pediatric cancer is one of the leading causes of non-accidental death in children. Every year, thousands of children across Ohio are treated for cancer. Children with cancer have to deal with aggressive treatment regimes that impose a tremendous amount of stress on their bodies, their families, and their psychological well-being. Children with cancer face enormous challenges as a result of their disease. Children can lose their independence, their hair, and for some, the loss of a limb — but most of all their childhood.

Heart disease and heart surgery

Children with heart disease are often severely limited in activities and are unable to do what other children can do. They are often tired and frail and have to be closely monitored by a physician, as well as take many medications. In addition, children with heart disease can have developmental delays and other learning difficulties. Often, their condition requires heart surgery, which leaves a big scar on a little body.

Sickle cell disease and related disorders

Sickle Cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that primarily affects African Americans. Children with Sickle Cell are born with abnormal, sickle-shaped hemoglobin that can create life-threatening problems, such as kidney failure, and heart and lung complications. Children with Sickle Cell experience a tremendous amount of pain and frequent hospitalizations and doctors visits.

Hemophilia and related blood disorders

Hemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder that occurs primarily in males. These children lack a factor in their blood that allows it to clot. They are prone to repeated bleeding episodes, primarily in their joints and muscles, which can limit joint mobility and force children to restrict their activities.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is most often diagnosed in young adulthood, 20% of all cases of Crohn's disease affect children under the age of 15 and can be seen in children as young as seven years old. Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes weight loss and failure to grow normally. Children facing Crohn's disease also have significant self-image issues to deal with. The disease can be very painful and changes their routines, and its effects may separate them from the normal activities of childhood and adolescence. Therefore, these youngsters need sensitive support from family, friends, and physicians to help them maintain their social, as well as their physical, growth.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease of children, affecting about 5 million in the U.S. alone. The smaller airways of the lungs constrict (become smaller in diameter) and become inflamed, and there is excess mucous production, all of which result in restricted air flow, especially on exhalation. Avoidance of "triggers" (e.g., mold, dust, animal dander, smoke, etc.), good hydration, and medications (pills, inhalers, and nebulizer treatments) are the principal modes of therapy.

Arthritis

An inflammation of large and small joints. It results in generalized aches and pains, fatigue, and stiff joints. The eyes and kidneys may be affected.