CardioCare, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded in 1995 whose mission is to help children with heart disease and their families. In 1995, the founders of CardioCare, Dr. Dennis and Joyce McClain, met with Dr. Whit and Lesa Boone to discuss the challenges many children with heart disease encounter. Would an away from home summer camp experience help these children and their families learn to cope with many of the issues of independence, physical activity and socialization?
The answer to this question and the result of planning over a three-year period resulted in Camp BraveHearts (www.campbravehearts.com), a weeklong summer camp for children ages 8-16 who have undergone heart surgery, heart-related procedures, or who require medical treatment for heart disease. In August 1998, 21 children attended the first Camp BraveHearts on Trooper Island at Dale Hollow Lake. Being average doesn't seem like much to strive for. Yet it can mean everything to children who yearn to do things in a regular kid way.
Camp BraveHearts gives that a chance. It is an unforgettable experience that allows them to do things many thought impossible. And not just physical activities. Kids enjoy positive emotional and social experiences that will help them grow in many ways. Away from home children can acquire a sense of responsibility, control, and independence. The health and safety of campers is our first and foremost priority. Camp BraveHearts is staffed all week by medical teams including Dr. Boone, Dr. McClain, nurse practitioners, RN's and volunteers who are specially trained and educated. All necessary equipment and supplies are transported with the children to Trooper Island. The 2005 session was the eighth summer camp experience. Fifty-two children from southern Indiana and Kentucky attended.
We also had ten former campers returning to join our volunteer staff. With the support of multiple sponsors, family and friends, healthcare providers, numerous volunteers and the Kentucky State Police, Camp BraveHearts has continued to thrive. The Camp BraveHearts Program receives funding from a wide variety of sources including private individuals, clubs and organizations, corporations, and foundations. Donations made to the Camp BraveHearts Program will go to help make this camp and its programs possible.
The camp serves children who have undergone heart surgery, heart-related procedures, or who require medical treatment for heart disease. BraveHearts enables them to do things they thought impossible, and not just physical activities. All donations go to support the children and are tax deductible. The BraveHearts' staff and counselors volunteer their time and skills to camp each year. The Sydney Mae Taylor Foundation, Inc. is pleased to support Camp Bravehearts again this year.