VCU to host 50 children with sickle cell disease at annual summer camp

By Erin Lucero
Office of Development, School of Medicine

RICHMOND, Va. – Thirty-five children with sickle cell disease will depart Richmond for a summer adventure at 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 13 from the Azalea Mall parking lot at the corner of Westbrook Avenue and Brook Road. The children are headed for four days at Camp Bright Moments, which is sponsored and directed by the Sickle Cell Awareness Program based at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Medical College of Virginia Hospitals.

Camp Bright Moments, begun 22 years ago, is the only camp in Virginia exclusively for children living with sickle cell disease. This year, 50 children with sickle cell disorders will participate in physically challenging tasks in a supportive and cooperative atmosphere. On 517 acres of woodland in Milford, the campers will enjoy tennis and basketball, a lake for canoeing, meadows for horseback riding and an indoor heated pool – all facilities of Camp Easter Seal - East.

Camp organizers believe that no child with sickle cell disease should be denied the opportunity for a summer holiday because of an inability to pay. To support campers with limited financial means, VCU’s Virginia Sickle Cell Awareness Program accepts donations from individuals and churches, as well as civic, social and national organizations. For more information on how to contribute funds, call (804) 828-2292 or visit the program’s web site at http://views.vcu.edu/pediatrics/vascap.