by Yasmin C. Pavri
Published: Lifelines for Health Spring 2018
School was over less than 24 hours before we left to participate in “After the Shock 2018” camp organized by CHES. We were tired from a long school/work year and were happy to take some time off from our regular routine.
We reached the camp site after almost a 2 1⁄2 hour drive. The final 40 minutes of which was very scenic. It made us excited and eager to know what the camp site would be like. Camp Zeke (located in the foothills of the Poconos) was where CHES chose to host the camp, and it was gorgeous! Scenic, serene, clean, and extremely comfortable!! Every staff member of the camp was dressed with a smile and was welcoming in nature. Great job CHES for this find.
Janet Brewer, Eric Lowe, Joan Ward, and Chris Brewer - the hard work and effort you put into pulling this camp together showed and every arrangement was flawless. Adult sessions were very well thought out and kid’s activities had so much variety. While parents were learning about developing coping skills to manage deep emotions dealing with the shock of inhibitors, kids were mentored and monitored by their family pals who were not just supervising them but were befriending them. While parents listened to guest speakers who were throwing light on new treatments for inhibitors, or how to deal with insurance and to be a great advocate for themselves and the community, or sometimes just hearing each other’s stories; kids were either fishing, doing archery, engaging in arts and crafts or even cooking some delicious desserts. There were outdoor field games and the lake had kayaking and canoeing. There was something for everyone! There was a ping pong table. There was a basketball court. There was a soccer field. And if you got tired, there was even a place to go relax and do some yoga with professional guidance. It can’t get better!!
I would also like to give a big shout out to Chad Brown, Adam Smith (with Music for the Cause), and Krystyn Strother for being more than presenters. They got so friendly with all these kids and went out of their way to know each one of them personally. One special family pal was Gabe Anspaugh! Unfortunately, my children
are older now and did not require a family pal with them all the time, but Gabe was their friend, support, helper, fellow community member and someone who related to all these young boys with hemophilia with inhibitors. He was such a positive and high-spirited person that no one around him could sit sad or feel lonely. It was like he could put life into a rock. He is the Rock Star of “After the Shock” camp, just like how Lee was to “The Painted Turtle” location when we attended Inhibitor Family Camp in 2015.
There were also these super nurses, Kathy & Brianna, who led the infusion sessions on both days making sure all our children had their factor and were ready to roll for the day. Some even got their big stick award at this camp. Hurray!!
We were a variety of families, each displaying strengths in their own ways and motivating others in the room. I personally made a new friend, a good friend in the community who I know I can share my concerns with and who can depend on me when they need a friend.
On behalf of my husband Cyrus, my children Farah & Porus, and on behalf of all those that attended this camp, we sincerely want to thank you CHES for giving us this opportunity of learning, sharing, laughing, and most of all having fun together.
We look forward to returning to this camp again next year.