“Mom, when can I go back to camp?”
In the heart of winter, in the middle of the night or in the car on the way to pre-kindergarten, no matter where or what time it is, little Satori Guraedy is always thinking about a very special week last summer.
That week was spent at Camp Quality Heartland, a camp for children with cancer.
“Every minute at camp, I was smiling. It was so much fun,” said 5-year-old Guraedy. “I can’t wait to go back.”
The Omaha girl is getting that chance, as are dozens of other young cancer patients.
On Wednesday, the patients left for Camp Quality Heartland in Guthrie Center, Iowa.
“The experience of camp will allow a child to forget hospitals, illness and needle sticks for a week,” said registered nurse Missy Schreiber, Camp Quality Heartland co-director.
Guraedy was diagnosed with leukemia at age 3. “A lot of times she is too sick to play with friends her age or participate in kid activities,” said her mother, Carrie Stahl. “At Camp Quality, Satori could forget she was sick and just be a kid again.”
Camp Quality has built its reputation on personalized care. Every camper is paired with a companion who is dedicated completely to his or her care. “The companions’ primary responsibility is to make sure their camper has the most enjoyable, safe, relaxing and restoring experience possible,” Schreiber said.
Lindsay Marron has been volunteering as a camp companion the past four years. “It’s probably one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” Marron said. “These kids really have made a huge impression on me. Cancer has forced them to grow up so much faster than other children. But at camp, they don’t let the cancer hold them back. They play hard and make every effort to have a ton of fun.”
The one-week camp also is for the siblings of cancer patients. “We believe that cancer affects the whole family, so we offer siblings a chance to attend and make lasting memories together with their brother or sister,” Schreiber said.
This year, 65 campers are expected to attend Camp Quality Heartland from June 21-25. The camp is run completely by a volunteer staff. Camp Quality Heartland programs are provided free thanks to private donations. Approximately 25 to 30 volunteers from the medical center help with the camp each year.
There are many activities at camp including swimming, canoeing, fishing, dancing, tethered hot air balloon rides, magician, crafts, and of course, a campfire with roasted marshmallows.
“I love everything,” Guraedy said.
Before leaving for Camp Quality Heartland, the campers and their families met at The Nebraska Medical Center for a quick medical check and lunch. Special guest, Sir MedKnight, handed out backpacks filled with goodies for the trip.