Camp Hope 2023 was epic!!! 65 of our pediatric patients flew to San Antonio from more than 20 states in early August for a life-changing week of bonding and fun.

Rebecca’s Wish and The National Pancreas Foundation created Camp Hope, a pediatric pancreatitis summer camp, so children and young people suffering from pancreatitis, or post-TPIAT, can experience all the joys of camp without limitations. Camp Hope is also a place where they can meet to bond and build friendships in a fun and safe setting that includes camp activities such as swimming, archery, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, crafts and more. At Camp Hope, campers get to experience things they have never been able to do while having fun, finding respite and experiencing a new sense of belonging, all while staying safe under the guidance and care of an onsite medical and psychosocial team.  For most of the children participating, this is their first time attending camp and being away from home due to their pancreatitis.

At the end of the week, after reviewing the medical records, we learned there were more than 80 procedures that would have required a hospital visit that we were able to treat at camp because of our extensive pharmaceutical supplies, doctors and nurses. That in itself was an unexpected miracle. But the emotional and social healing from this experience far outweighed anything medically we could have given these children. Rebecca was too ill and missed Camp Hope. But she mustered up the strength from her ICU hospital bed and virtually visited with campers during a 15-minute Zoom.

“In a bizarre twist, Rebecca’s ICU Zoom became an inspiration to these children. If Rebecca, the Founder of Rebecca’s Wish, had to miss a major life event then it was okay if they did as well. And there was always the HOPE of Camp Hope next year,” said Rebecca’s Wish President Christyn Taylor.

We are already planning Year Three of our in-person Camp Hope. We will be back at Morgan’s Wonderland Camp in San Antonio, Texas! This experience is for campers who are 8 – 18 years old. Camp is free for campers and travel stipends are available for those who need financial assistance.