TOPP Opens Applications for Type One Diabetes Camp Scholarships

TYPE ONE DIABETES CAMP SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The TOPP Camp Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to families wishing to send children with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) to Camp Freedom or Camp Nejeda, specialized diabetes summer camps. Children with T1D are often unable to attend overnight summer camp because their disease requires 24-hour attention. TOPP understands that the medical costs of T1D can be daunting and a specialized diabetic camp can be a further financial hardship.

TOPP will be issuing a limited number of scholarships. The application period began on 2/1/2020. Interested families should apply by 4/15/2020 (application deadline). The application can be found at www.toppfoundation.org.

About Camp Freedom and Camp Nejeda, Specialized Diabetes Summer Camps

Camp Freedom, run by the American Diabetes Association, and Camp Nejeda, owned and operated by the Camp Nejeda Foundation, provide children with T1D the opportunity to have fun, and experience independence. Kids with T1D don’t have to feel “different” from their peers at these camps. They also learn self-reliance, self-confidence and other skills to help them live long and healthy lives. Because experts are onsite 24 hours a day to provide medical attention and care, parents can feel confident letting their children go away to camp. TOPP recognizes this is often the first-time parents feel comfortable leaving their child and one of the few times parents can have a much-needed respite from diabetes-related worries. In many ways, these camps can be the best medicine for kids with T1D. Kids experience a traditional summer camp experience in a medically safe environment while developing social skills, self-respect, and lifelong friendships.

About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) T1D is an autoimmune disease in which insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed by the body’s immune system. There is currently no cure and its causes are not fully known. People with T1D are dependent on injected or pumped insulin and need to carefully regulate their blood sugar to stay alive. Living with T1D is a full-time balancing act requiring constant attention and meticulous planning to avoid acute, life-threatening hypoglycemia or the long-term damage done by hyperglycemia.

About Type One Parent Project TOPP Foundation is a Bucks County nonprofit founded in 2016 by 3 mothers who each have a son with T1D. TOPP’s mission is to support and connect the local T1D community and raise awareness and funds supporting efforts to find a cure. For more information about TOPP, please visit www.toppfoundation.org.