Helping kids delight in the wonderment and fun of their youth, despite being faced with a life-threatening illness, is what inspired the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation to start the Let Kids Be Kids Fund for children living with lupus.

Lessons to Be Learned

Let Kids Be Kids helps families that need it most by providing funding for activities that inspire and encourage children diagnosed with lupus. Since it's often difficult for these children to feel "normal," program activities are specially designed to help boost young peoples' confidence and lift their spirits. Activities range from after-school lessons in art, music, swimming, or tai chi, to attending a day camp in the summer. When body shape changes occur due to illness or treatment, the Fund can provide assistance with teen clothing needs.

Let Kids Be Kids is open only to residents of the New York metropolitan area. However, we are pleased to announce that through generous funding we are able to expand the activity and lessons portion of the program to economically disadvantaged kids who have a parent with lupus.

Camp Sunshine — A Retreat for Children with Life-Threatening Illnesses and Their Families

Lupus Week: August 17–22, 2008

S.L.E. Lupus Foundation to Be Solo Sponsor

This summer, the Foundation will commit $60,000 to give 40 kids with lupus and their families a chance to enjoy this summertime escape at no cost. To get your application for August 2008, contact Anita Cruso at the Foundation at 1-800-74-LUPUS (58787) or email acruso@lupusny.org.

Camp Sunshine 2007 Sparkles for Families with Lupus

For the 8th consecutive year, Camp Sunshine and the Foundation have partnered to give children with lupus and their families a summertime escape from the daily stresses of coping with lupus.

In August, along the shady shores of Lake Sebago in southwestern Maine, a group of children with lupus had the chance to be just like other kids at summer camp—swimming, kayaking, and exploring the outdoors—without having to worry about pills, doctor’s appointments or feeling “different.”

Many spent the school year looking forward to their week at Camp Sunshine, knowing that they would find friends who not only live with the same risks and limitations, but who can truly understand them.

The only week-long retreat in the country for families facing lupus, Camp Sunshine plays a role not only for the kids with the disease, but for the whole family. Everyone is invited and everyone benefits. Activities at the lakeside (and indoors) consume the kids while parents have a chance to meet in support groups to discuss issues and concerns that lupus poses. Doctors and nurses on site take care of any kids who feel unwell during the week.

The Foundation is proud to sponsors more than 30 families from the New York metropolitan area at Camp Sunshine every summer. Learn more about Camp Sunshine at www.CampSunshine.org.

For photos, click here.

Words from Our Camp Sunshine Parents:

"My 14-year-old has lupus," explained one mother who attended with her family. "And I can't remember the last time he was able to be himself. He has hair loss, butterfly rashes, kidney failure, and extremely low energy. But at Camp Sunshine, I found my son again...Thank you for returning my son to us. With sponsors like you—helping families like mine—you can make a difference."

Another parent said, "Thanks for all the help and happiness you brought into our family. My daughter now knows that she is not the only one fighting for her own health."

"Four months ago when my son was diagnosed with lupus," explained another parent, "he was forced to grow up quickly. He became very depressed as he struggled to understand this horrible disease that attacked his joints, kidneys, and skin. I was drained physically and emotionally, juggling work, doctor appointments, and three kids. Coming to Camp Sunshine was the best therapy for all of us. It's given our family hope, a sense of belonging—and a week full of fun and relaxation."