When I began this blog, I could've never imagined writing about such an amazing experience for our Trachie. Our daughter just returned from a four-night camp in Indiana where every camper had a tracheostomy, with some also being ventilator-dependent. We've known about the camp for a couple of years, but we didn't think our girl was ready... or rather, we knew that WE weren't ready. However, with all the strides our girl has made in spending time off the ventilator and growing in independence, we couldn't deny that this was the year. This would be the summer that would change our girl's world. From the moment we brought our daughter home from the NICU over ten years ago, we have only spent one night away from her...managing to fenagle 24 hours of nursing coverage to celebrate our anniversary several years ago.
We had no doubt that our social butterfly would take to camp like a duck to water, it would be Mommy and Daddy who would miss her terribly. So, we opted to take our older girls on a special vacation for some well-deserved memories.
While we kept ourselves occupied, our Trachie was having the time of her life ziplining, dancing, singing, swimming, crafting, making new friends, melting hearts, pulling pranks on other cabins, and finding herself without family hovering over her. We're convinced she even got taller during those four days... or maybe we just sensed her growth in maturity after her week of independence.
Her first words to us as we picked her up, "I'm coming back next year!" We are so grateful for CHAMP Camp and all the amazing volunteers who are dedicated to providing such an unfathomable opportunity. I would have never believed such a camp existed. After talking to other camp parents, we quickly realized how equipped this camp is to provide quality care and a safe camp experience for our Trachie. I encourage you to look up their page and marvel at the dedication of these healthcare professionals.
Our daughter will tell you that her favorite activity at CHAMP Camp is ziplining, but she also loved building relationships with the other campers and the counselors. She boasted about how confident she felt the entire time. Being around so many other kids with traches gave her such comfort and allowed her personality to take centerstage instead of her medical condition. Our girl has a BIG personality as everyone at camp can attest. We are so happy that she could shine bright all week long.
We are beyond grateful for this opportunity, for their dedication and compassion, and for the love that was poured into our girl. THANK YOU, CHAMP CAMP and everyone who supports this camp!!!
We look forward to sharing an additional post to share her special memories.
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