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Camp Dermadilloby Graciela Gutierrez 
Alanna Bree, M.D., describes Camp Dermadillo as life-changing for some children with severe skin conditions. Like most 11-year-olds, Hailey Byers looks forward to summer camp all year. However, her packing checklist is a little different than most kids, because she has psoriasis that requires daily treatments and weekly injections. But when she is at camp, she is not alone. Hailey goes to Camp Dermadillo, which was created for children and teens suffering from severe skin disorders. Some children have skin conditions more serious than Hailey's. They must stay bandaged at all times because they have blisters, scars or weeping wounds. Some can no longer use their hands or legs. The problems are real but that doesn't stop the fun. "We stay up late talking and laughing after we're supposed to be in bed," Hailey said. "Sometimes the boys try to play pranks on us at night, like banging on our windows to scare us." Camp is a place for them to have a good time. It reinforces the message that they are just like everybody else.  "This gives kids a chance to forget about their skin, feel comfortable and have fun," said Alanna Bree, M.D., an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine, who also headed up the camp this year. "A lot of times they haven't met many kids with these disorders and that creates instant bonds and friendships. It's life changing for them." Camp Dermadillo takes place at Camp for All, a special campsite in the Texas Hill Country. It is run by doctors, nurses, medical students and volunteers—all of them with a connection to skin disorders. They act more like friends than caregivers. The focus isn't on medical challenges. It's about looking beyond the children's problems to let them have experiences they normally wouldn't. "It's a time for the kids to be happy, and have fun," Bree said. "They shouldn't feel like they are being studied or treated." The American Academy of Dermatology takes care of all expenses, which is especially helpful to those who travel from other states and sometimes even different countries. 
Children at Camp Dermadillo Camp Dermadillo is the third such camp in the country. The first, Camp Discovery, opened in Minnesota 12 years ago. Its popularity prompted the opening of Camp Horizon in Pennsylvania in 1994. Camp Dermadillo opened three years ago, thanks largely in part to Margaret Hirsch and Laura Yousenasna, two nurses at Texas Children's Hospital. Both worked with the American Academy of Dermatology to help organize the first week-long camp. Teens go to camp at the same time but in a separate area. But they can assume another role as well—counselor. "As the kids get older, many become camp counselors," Bree said. "That is good because they can help the younger campers feel more at ease."  Campers can talk with counselors about challenges they face dealing with their skin disorders, or they can talk about their favorite games and camp activities like canoeing, hiking or arts-and-crafts. "It's easier to talk to them about anything," Hailey said. "They know what it's like for us." These camps affect more than just the children. Bree said after each one, she remembers why she became a doctor. "The camp reminds you that you can help a person's soul, and not just the body." Hailey describes the camp experience a little differently. "We just have fun," she said. "We don't focus on our skin. It's not weird because we're all going through it together." |
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Tailoring Technology to Benefit You, the Patient
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Volume 3, Issue 2, Summer 2007 |
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