Camp Mend-A-Heart

Camp Provides Fun and Hope for Kids with Heart Problems

by Cozy Stone

Children's Heart Foundation's mission is to improve the care and quality of life for children in Nevada who are born with or develop heart problems.

Their first goal was to provide a cost-free, medically supervised camp that would address the special needs of these children. Partnering with Rapport Leadership International, Children's Heart Foundation created Camp Mend-A-Heart in Alamo, Nevada as a retreat ranch where children with heart conditions are able to forge friendships, attain hope and create great memories with one another. Boys and girls, ages 7-18, are able to shift their focus from their heart conditions to the richness of life that can be experienced even by those with cardiac problems. They are able to spend time with others who understand what it's like to have a heart condition. One child commented, "It's cool that everyone else has to take meds, too." Many of the boys at camp shed their shirts to participate in water-play, for once unconcerned about any visible scars or medical devices. One group even dubbed themselves the "D-team" because they each had a defibrillator under their skin.

Thanks to transportation provided by Ryan Express, the children and their families are spoiled for four days and three nights. The support offered to these families is immeasurable. The staff consists of siblings, board members, Las Vegas firefighters, parents, nurses from Sunrise Hospital and retreat personnel. On-line registration begins in March and is accepted on a first come, first serve basis, with prior approval required from a pediatric cardiologist.

Along with the need for more volunteers, the Foundation appreciates gifts of all sizes from individuals and corporations. In-kind gifts or planned giving gifts (i.e., bus passes, cab vouchers, phone cards, gas cards, tote bags, etc.) are very much appreciated as well. Please send to Children's Heart Foundation, 3006 South Maryland Parkway, Suite 690, Las Vegas, NV 89109, Attention: Shannon Bentham, Foundation Manager. Feel free to visit the website at www.chfn.org or call 702-967-3522.