|
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 Was Solo Sponsor
It’s the Foundation’s eighth summer and its first as Lupus Week’s solo sponsor. Forty families—more than 100 kids and teens—were there. View photos »
A poem written and performed by New Yorker Christopher Cedeño, age 13, at Camp Sunshine Lupus Week 2008.
THE TRUTH
I am so happy
I am so sad
Am both
But am not glad
I was born fine and now I got this illness.
My life is over.
My life is over—what am I going to do.
And a voice just keeps saying,
Let’s just get this through.
Let’s get this through.
Look, voice.
‘What are you talking about?’
I said.
And the voice just said,
Just do what I said.
So I waited and waited for the voice to come.
And in March 8, 2008 the voice said
My son,
have faith in me
and you all will get
the blessing from me.
So I’m here waiting to see.
Now I am in camp and look who’s with me.
So have faith in God because when he
says something, he’s going
to do something
I am so happy
I am so sad—am both.
And now am glad.
Learn more about Camp Sunshine at www.CampSunshine.org.
"Going to camp and meeting so many people with lupus from my area helped me feel like I wasn't so different after all—and that I was not alone."
– Annette Rodriguez, 18
Read more about Annette in Lupus Stories
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."
|
