Lucas & Victor’s Story

Lucas and Victor were born with a genetic blood disorder called hemophilia. Their blood lacks the components necessary to clot properly, making even minor cuts and bruises very dangerous.

As toddlers their mother Tammy clothed the boys in double layers of diapers, put helmets on their heads and sweat bands on their knees. When they reached school age, she worked with educators to teach them about the disease to ensure the boys would be protected while away from home. They weren’t able to participate in any contact sports and had to sit on the sidelines during many gym classes. They were sometimes made fun of by other kids because they were different from everybody else. Some days they were mad that they had the disease.

When the boys found out about the Flying Horse Away program, and the chance to go to camp with other kids who were like them, they were excited. Their mom… well she was a little apprehensive at first, but after talking things over with Camp Director, Patrick Smith, she was reassured that the boys would be safe and in very trustworthy hands while at camp.

So the boys boarded a plane and went to camp where they did things they never imagined they’d do. The camp provided a chance to try new adventures under the careful watch of the staff. They met new friends who, like them, had been dealing with life-long health issues. They realized a small piece of what they had been missing because of their illness.

After going to camp once, and seeing the excitement and change it brought to all of their lives, Lucas and Victor’s mom knew she couldn’t deny them the experience again. They attended camp the following summer and will be going again this year.

Lucas & Victor’s Parent Testimonial

“By sending the boys to camp, I had the opportunity to let go of some of the control. It was a hard thing to do, but after the fact I realized how important it was for them to experience the fun and adventure of camp, and to do it in a very safe environment.”