ROME, Ga., June 23, 2023 – A comment from 7-year-old Abby Turner about her brother might have been the best comment to capture the gentle spirit of Kiki's Kids Camp, a four-day event for youth from ages of 6 - 12 who have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
“He loves me all the time," Abby said of her brother Mike, who is 9. Both kids, who attend Pepperell Elementary School, were enjoying their second year at the camp, which ended Thursday, marking its 30th anniversary. Abby has diabetes; Mike just goes along for support.
“I just want to look out for her. I make sure she is feeling OK. I check her sugar, too," Mike said.
The annual camp is organized by Floyd Healthcare Foundation and held at Darlington School. Kiki's Kids Camp is funded by a planned gift from the estate of the late Angelique (Kiki) Petropole , a Rome pediatric nurse who had diabetes. The gift continues to fund the camp and the purchase of diabetes supplies for children in need.
Campers learn about nutrition, diabetes management, independence and self-discipline from trained clinicians and volunteers. Teens ages 13 - 17 who have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes can attend as junior counselors/counselors-in-training. This year's event included twenty campers.
Mabel Wofford, 8, also attended the camp for the second year. She said the camp helps her make connections with other kids who understand exactly what she is experiencing.
“You got to meet other kids and share. You find out you are not the only one with diabetes," Mabel said.
She said the camp has taught her a lot of things about her condition and said she has learned how to better control her sugar level and stay healthy.
Visit the Kiki's Kids Camp page on Facebook to stay updated on next year's camp. For more information, contact Floyd Healthcare Foundation at 706-509- 3290.