Camp Sweeney, a unique haven for children with type 1 diabetes, is urgently calling for community support this year to continue its life-changing programs. Dr. Ernie Fernandez, pediatrician and diabetes specialist at Children's Health also serves as the volunteer camp director. Dr. Fernandez has dedicated 40 years to ensuring that kids with this challenging condition can experience normalcy and fun each summer.
"Camp Sweeney is a very unique place," Dr. Fernandez said. "One of the few places in the world designed for children with type 1 diabetes." Over the past 75 years, more than 35,000 children have walked through the gates in Cooke County near Whitesboro, finding not just a camp, but a community where their condition is understood and managed as part of their everyday lives.
Children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes often face significant lifestyle changes, which can be overwhelming.
"When someone is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a child, it does change their life forever," Dr. Fernandez explained. "With Camp Sweeney…for 18 short days, diabetes disappears because we create an environment where suddenly the diabetes is normal, and kids could just be kids having a great time."
The cost for Camp Sweeney to bring a child to their 18-day session is substantial, $6,200 per camper. While they do offer discounted rates to all families and substantial financial aid to those in need, raising the necessary funds has been especially challenging this year.
"This has probably been one of the toughest years to raise funds for this charity. We have to raise about $2,400,000 in aid every year," Dr. Fernandez noted.
A vital part of their fundraising efforts is the annual "Camp Sweeney Play for the Day" event on Memorial Day. Held at Lake Highlands, the event includes a timed 5k, a family 1k, live music, food trucks, and various activities for all ages.
"It's a wonderful community event that hosts a 5k, a 1k, has music, has food trucks, has games and events for the children to play," Dr. Fernandez described.
Support from these events is crucial. Over half of the children attending Camp Sweeney require financial aid. "As long as the child has type 1 diabetes, we figure out a way to pay for these kids to come to Camp Sweeney," Dr. Fernandez pledged. These efforts ensure that every child, regardless of financial circumstance, can benefit from the camp's programs.
This year, more than ever, Camp Sweeney needs the support of the community to continue providing a place where children with type 1 diabetes can thrive, feel normal, and develop confidence to manage their condition.
Additionally, if you would like to register a child to go to Camp Sweeney this summer, follow this link.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
