Camp Eeze-the-Wheeze for children with asthma and KIDDS (Kids with Insulin Dependent Diabetes)
Diabetic children and kids with asthma can learn more about their conditions at KIDDS (Kids with Insulin Dependent Diabetes) Kamp and Camp Eeze-the-Wheeze respectively. The camps will run simultaneously June 12-16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jackson Morrow Park in Kokomo. The cost is $20 per child. The camps are designed to help north central Indiana children learn to live with asthma and diabetes.
Financial assistance is available, said Lynda Narwold, associate professor of nursing and director of the camps. Donations from area businesses and individuals cover much of the camps' expenses.
Indiana University Kokomo School of Nursing faculty and students have coordinated the camps for 10 years. A highlight of this year's camp will be a visit by the Clarian Health Lifeline Helicopter on the morning of June 15. Campers and their families will get a chance to look at the emergency helicopter up close and to talk with its medical and flight crew.
"The kids interact with these people who may be in a position to help them and by being in an ambulance or lifeline helicopter, the kids are more comfortable with the equipment," Narwold said. "If they would be in a situation where they have to go in one, this will help alleviate some of the anxiety."
Camp Eeze-the-Wheeze was started in memory of Thomas Bly, who died from an asthma attack. The Thomas Bly Foundation supports education for area children with asthma and has been a major contributor to Camp Eeze-the-Wheeze.
To request a camp registration form or to learn more about The Thomas Bly Foundation, contact Narwold at 765-455-9308 or lnarwold@iuk.edu.
