I’d hoped it wouldn’t come to this again. Some of you know my story… for those who don’t, let me explain.
My son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 10. Since then, he’s attended diabetes camp every year. He’s made friends from all over the country that he sees every year at Camp Sweeney, and for three weeks out of the year, he feels just like every one else, like a normal kid.
Camp Sweeney is an inpatient educational camp, where kids between 5 and 18 spend three weeks in an intensive learning environment. Kiddo gave his first shot at camp, changed his own insertion site for the first time at camp. He’s found the support and friendship that will last a lifetime at Camp Sweeney. I encourage you to visit the website and read about it for yourself.
My son spends his entire year looking forward to camp, planning what he’ll wear, what he’ll bring. This year is even more important for him, because he’s been fighting a battle with depression. He’s been in therapy for the last three or four months, taking medication, trying to find a desire to live. I’m afraid for what will happen if we don’t find the money to send him to camp this year. I can’t express the pain I feel when he tells me that life isn’t worth living.
I’m sure you’re asking, “Why should I help? Why can’t you send him?” My husband and I live in south Louisiana. He was laid off from his main job in November and has yet to find something else. He’s been teaching nights and working contract since then, but it doesn’t make ends meet. I have fibromyalgia (among other things) and am currently fighting to get disability benefits. I can’t work even a part-time job, so I’m trying to supplement our income by selling things in Second Life and on Etsy.com. As I’m sure you’re aware, it’s not easy, but I’m doing what I can do.
The horrible, embarrassing truth is that without your help, he won’t get to go to camp this year. If it were just for me, I wouldn’t be asking. I’m an adult, and I can live without things. But my son is fighting so hard to maintain normality, and I will swallow my pride to ask for help. Please, if you can toss a few dollars into the paypal for him. Buy something from my etsy shop (links coming soon). Or just pass this entry on to whomever you can- the more eyes see it, the greater chance we have of him getting to camp. With your help, we can make this happen. Please, please help me give this to my son.
Bottom line- kiddo’s medical portion is covered by a scholarship, but the camp is in Gainesville, TX- 550 miles away. It’s an all-day drive to get there, followed by an all-day drive back home. I will be maintaining a running tally as we go, so if you’re interested you can follow along as we (hopefully) reach our goal. Once he gets to camp, I’ll keep everyone up to date with whatever information we get while he’s at camp.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
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