The TMA Children’s Camp

The Transverse Myelitis Association would like to hold a camp for children during the summer 2007. Shannon O’Keefe is our TM support group leader from Western New York State and has volunteered to spearhead our camp planning efforts. The camp would be for those who have TM who are 25 years old and younger and their brothers, sisters and parents. We will also be inviting our Medical Advisory Board and their families. The purpose of the camp is to provide the children and their families an opportunity to have a fun recreational vacation. If you had the chance to be in Columbus in 2001, you know how wonderful and important it is for these children and the parents to be able to spend time with each other and share experiences. The camp will offer these children and the families an opportunity to create friendships and support that will last a lifetime.

We are not planning to make the camp weekend a four-day seminar for parents. The focus of the camp experience is going to be on camp activities, whatever those might be. I think that usually involves stuff associated with dirt, bugs and a lot of sweating; all of which I try to regularly avoid. We will try to get as many of our Medical Advisory Board folks to attend and might offer one or two evening presentations or discussions. The MAB might also be available to answer your questions. Being able to spend time with the physicians and their families, and having the opportunity to bond with these wonderful folks is always a good thing.

We are currently in the process of researching adaptive adventure camps that have the facilities and the staff in place to meet our needs. Our goal is to find a camp that is centrally located in the United States and that is affordable. It would be our intention to make this camp experience affordable for everyone who wants to attend. You can translate that intention into: “we are going to need to raise a lot of money to do this, and I am going to be knocking on your door for help.”

If you are in your early 20s, please consider participating. The camp would be a great opportunity for you to meet others who have TM who are about your age. You could also make a tremendous contribution to our community by getting to know the younger children who would greatly benefit from role models such as yourselves! Please consider getting involved in the planning of the camp, the fundraising, and definitely plan to attend. We need you to participate; and you are going to love the experience!

We need for everyone to get involved in the planning and fundraising. The more people we can get involved, the less one person or a few people are going to have to do. And, hey, we’ve got a lot going on.

If you can get involved, please get in touch with Shannon as quickly as possible.

Shannon O'keefe

sjokeefe79[AT SIGN]yahoo.com

(585)330-1125

Whether we are able to hold the camp is going to depend on the response we receive from families regarding their interest in participating and the willingness our community has in raising the money to make this happen. I know that the children need this opportunity! Please get involved and please help us to make the TMA children’s camp a reality.