Elegance Digital Magazine Volume 1 | Page 9

Northern California Asthma Camp When do you hold the camp? The Asthma Camp is held each summer in Livermore, CA, and is sponsored by the Taylor Family Foundation. Children with Asthma, a serious condition that alienates children from their friends, activities and school! Children need a fun, great way to learn how to live and accept their Asthma condition, learn that taking their medication will most definitely allow them to participate ! Al, why did you start your non-profit? I saw a need. I have a 12 year old grandson that was diagnosed at a very young age with Asthma. I also served on the UC Davis Community Advisory Board for six years, where I met Dr. Sam Louie, M.D. an Asthma Specialist. Those “TWO” factors influenced me to do something!. I formed my non-profit organization “CA FairPlay” in 2001. What type of camp is it? I offer a “FREE” summer camp experience for children ages 6 - 12 that focuses on the special needs of kids afflicted with Asthma. This camp allows them to enjoy outdoor recreational activities, like horseback riding, swimming, hiking, rock climbing and gardening with onsite medical supervision. Our camp balances fun activity with education about how to live with asthma, which is one of the leading causes of school absences in the Sacramento area. Our first camp opened the summer of 2003. Our camp has grown from an enrollment of 23 kids served by just three nurses to 85 campers, 20 student nurses and 10 community volunteers including a social worker (all subject to back ground checks.) What’s Al’s Success? Being able to offer a $75,000 camp for $10,000 and to acquire funding donations thru networking. Much of the funding comes from the Taylor Family Foundation,. However, we have many sponsors that help with all the additional costs like bussing and insurance. Any last words? Seeing the joy in the children’s eye’s, hearing their laughter, and watching them rock climb, jump in that pool, hike and fish! Knowing that myself and all of the volunteers are making changes in these children’s lives ! To learn more visit Al’s Asthma Camp Website