Twenty years ago, a group of parents, health care professionals and community leaders got together and set a goal: provide a space for children with Type 1 diabetes to gather, learn and have fun.
That was the beginning of Camp Kudzu. This weekend, the Atlanta-based nonprofit will hold a celebration to mark two decades of programming for kids and teens with the chronic condition.
"It's our goal that every child with type 1 diabetes in Georgia has an opportunity to experience the magic of camp," Jennifer Odom, who is the chair of the 20th anniversary event, told Atlanta InTown.
While a weeklong overnight camp in the summer is the pinnacle of Camp Kudzu’s programming, they also hold events throughout the year, all with the hope of inspiring and educating participants.
“That’s what we’ll be doing at our 20th celebration, trying to raise more money to send more kids to camp,” Odom, whose daughter has type 1, told InTown.
Odom told the outlet that since the first year of camp, which had 100 kids, it has grown to more than 900 campers annually.
Due to donations, about 75% of campers have the cost of camp subsidized. It also provided scholarships to about 40% of attendees.
Every year, about 650 volunteers help make Camp Kudzu happen.
Including Anna Rambo, who has had Type 1 Diabetes for more than 20 years and has been a camper, a volunteer and a program manager.
She told InTown that Camp Kudzu is a chance to connect with other people who understand some of the struggles that can come with having a chronic condition.
“Camp Kudzu has given me an avenue to make a difference and give back. To talk to newly diagnosed children and say I’ve been doing this for 20 years – here’s all of these people who’ve also been doing it – you are going to be fine. Lean on us. Ask for advice,” Rambo told the newspaper.
The fundraiser and celebration will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at The Stave Room at American Spirit Works.
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