When summer ends, the laughter and magic continue at Camp Boggy Creek during Family Retreat programs. From September through April, seriously ill children from 14 different illness groups have the opportunity to attend one of 17 weekend retreat programs with their families. During Boggy Creek's recent Hemophilia Retreat, 32 families, from throughout Florida not only enjoyed quality time together, but also found support among other families experiencing the same challenges.

Thomas (pictured far right with brother, Nicholas, and Mom, Leslie) and his family attended Boggy Creek's recent Hemophilia Retreat. For Thomas' family, and many others like them, spending quality time together is very important. At Camp Boggy Creek Family Retreats is our specialty and for Thomas and his family the time spent together is priceless!

Children with hemophilia, like Thomas (11 years) and Nicholas (15 months), have problems with bleeding because of low levels or complete absence of specific proteins, called "factors" in their blood that are necessary for prevention of excessive bleeding. A life-long disorder, hemophilia requires medications (clotting factor replacements) to be injected into the person's body. During one of Thomas' summer camp sessions, he learned how to administer his own treatments and was recognized by all the campers, staff, and volunteers for his accomplishment. Leslie, Thomas' Mom, noted, "When we picked Thomas up from camp he couldn't wait to show everybody how he could treat himself. We were aware that self-infusion would be demonstrated to some of the campers, but we didn't think Thomas would actually come home ready to do this himself. It was incredible."

During the Hemophilia Retreat, Thomas, Nicholas, their other siblings, and parents enjoyed many camp activities including swimming, archery, miniature golf, and arts & crafts in a safe and caring environment. Spending time at Family Retreats is nothing new for Thomas' Dad, Dr. Truncale, who has been a volunteer doctor at Camp Boggy Creek during sickle cell, epilepsy and other retreat programs. Dr. Truncale serves as the Deputy Director of Occupational Medicine Residency Program at University of South Florida and is affiliated with Tampa General Hospital and James V. Haley Veteran's Hospital. His time and care are gifts that we appreciate very much at Camp Boggy Creek!

For Mom, Camp Boggy Creek's Family Retreats "are all about the family. The empathy and understanding are the best part for the parents." The Retreat programs help families, like the Truncales, to cope with the challenges of having a seriously ill child. The Camp provides a supportive environment where family members help each other by sharing experiences and realizing they are not alone.

To learn more about Family Retreat programs, please click here. If you or someone you know is interested in being a medical volunteer, please click here.