BloodCenter of Wisconsin has partnered with the Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation (GLHF) for a new summer camp — the first of its kind in Wisconsin for children with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
As part of the partnership, BloodCenter of Wisconsin will provide medical staff at the camp, and assist with the creation of medical policies to enhance the lives of the children and help them take the first steps toward self-care.
BloodCenter has been a long-time collaborator of GLHF, providing clinical and pharmaceutical services to hemophilia patients.
“We deeply appreciate the expertise and passion of the Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation staff and volunteers to provide an experience that empowers children to be active participants in their own care,” said Dr. Tom Abshire, chief medical officer, BloodCenter of Wisconsin.
“We believe the camp experience is an extension of care for children so they can gain a sense of independence and socialize with other children who have hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.”
Physicians, nurses and other staff from BloodCenter’s Comprehensive Center for Bleeding Disorders will provide 24-hour care at the camp, along with medical staff from other Wisconsin hemophilia treatment centers.
As part of that care and education, they will train children to self-infuse, which can have a life changing impact.
GLHF Executive Director Danielle Leitner Baxter said that creating a summer camp in Wisconsin is a key initiative for the foundation.
In addition to swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts and camp fires, it will help children to develop independence, as well as life-long friendships.
“Providing a camp experience that is close to home reassures parents and prepares kids to manage their disease on a daily basis,” Baxter said.
“We are grateful that through this partnership with BloodCenter of Wisconsin, GLHF will be able to provide an experience which will open doors to improve the quality of life for these special kids.” Camp registration Children ages 7-14 living with a bleeding disorder are invited to attend Camp Klotty Pine at the Camp Lakotah facility in Wautoma, Wis., from July 27-Aug. 1.
Applications will be accepted until June 10 by calling GLHF at 414-937- 6784.
About BloodCenter of Wisconsin
BloodCenter of Wisconsin is a not-for-profit organization that specializes in blood services, organ, tissue and marrow donation, diagnostic testing, medical services and leading-edge research.
BloodCenter of Wisconsin is the only provider of blood to hospitals in 29 Wisconsin counties as well as providing support to hospitals and patients across the country.
BloodCenter of Wisconsin advances patient care by delivering life-saving solutions grounded in unparalleled medical and scientific expertise.
For more information, visit www.bcw.edu.
About Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation
Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation (GLHF) is a non-profit organization located in Milwaukee, Wis., and is a proud chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF). GLHF provides education, outreach, financial counseling, networking, and advocacy programs to individuals with bleeding disorders and their families across Wisconsin.
Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation has been supporting the Wisconsin bleeding disorders community for nearly 40 years, providing assistance to roughly 2,000 individuals and family members.
For more information, visit www.glhf.org
