Kids’ camp fundraiser borne of love
Two things were certain in Amy Kjaer’s far-too-short life—she loved the experiences she got to enjoy as a youngster while staying at Camp Jean Nelson, and she had a loving family that rallied together to raise funds for diabetes in her memory so that other kids could continue to enjoy the same experiences.
Amy was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1996, at age nine. Despite having no family history of the disease, over a two-week period she began to experience the classic signs of diabetes: increased thirst, fatigue, and rapid weight loss. A test confirmed her condition.
What followed was a change in the family’s lifestyle—monitoring, doctor visits, and changes to the diet. A support network was engaged, especially through the Alberta Children’s Hospital.
Amy’s mother Laura was initially overprotective, even preferring friends to visit Amy at their home to ensure her daughter’s diabetes care wasn’t taking a backseat to a need to fit in with her peers. A stay at the Canadian Diabetes Association’s Camp Jean Nelson finally allowed Laura to feel relaxed. The diabetes camp for kids offered familiar faces from the support network, and Amy herself loved the experience. Her mom felt she was in the best of hands.
In September 2008, at just 21 years of age, Amy passed away from what is believed to be complications of a virus. Laura and her boyfriend Mike, her sister and brother-in-law Lynn and Eric Rippe, and Amy’s father Mark banded together to host a fundraiser this past June at Wildwood Community Centre, with almost every aspect of the event donated. Three-quarters of the proceeds will be donated to the Association for Camp Jean Nelson, with the balance intended for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
In addition to hosting the fundraiser to help keep the camp open for more families struggling with the intrusion of diabetes into their lives, Laura hopes that everyone continues to support and donate to help find a cure.
To find out more about Camp Jean Nelson, volunteering or donating to the Canadian Diabetes Association, visit diabetes.ca or contact your local Association office.