Heather’s Hope, a fund at the Clinton County Foundation, joined donors from across the state of Ohio at Camp Korelitz, a camp for diabetics organized by the American Diabetics Association, at Camp Joy.
Through the generosity of donors, Camp Korelitz is hosting 118 diabetics age 8 to 15 for a week of camp, and adding another 17 day campers age 5 to 8. Medical staff supports this mission of diabetic education, culinary exposure, and outdoor camp experience in a tight-knit community.
Counselors shared stories of personal growth at camp – as a camper from age 8-15, a junior counselor, counselor, and then unit leader – over a span of the past sixteen to twenty years. Campers from across southwestern Ohio return annually for a safe, rewarding camp experience, often as patients referred from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
“When all campers are diabetic, that becomes ‘normal’ and not ‘different.’ Kids can be kids and not medical curiosities,” said Counselor Pam.
Gretchen James and Adrienne Ahlers (pictured) started Heather’s Hope back in 2010 to combat juvenile diabetes, in memory of Gretchen’s daughter, Heather. Events at the Banana Split Festival were their primary fundraiser before COVID ended that festival.
Do you have a heart for diabetic care and education? Consider a donation to the Clinton County Foundation for the Heather’s Hope Fund. You, too, can make a difference for diabetic children.
