Camp Gives Haitian Children the Chance to Play, Learn and Heal

Camp will serve orphans with disabilities from Port-au-Prince

NORFOLK, VA (09/07/2011)(readMedia)-- During a unique camp this January, dozens of Haitian children with disabilities will play, explore and receive proper care for their physical and emotional needs, thanks to the collaborative efforts of a group of nonprofits based in the U.S. and Haiti.

Together with ChildFund International, Physicians for Peace recently awarded $21,000 to The Red Thread Promise to support Camp Jake Richard, a camp for orphans from St. Vincent's Center for Handicapped Children in Port-au-Prince. The camp removes physical and emotional barriers, giving participating children the chance to engage in creative arts, as well as physical and social activities under the supervision of a team of volunteer counselors, artists, musicians, mentors and healthcare professionals.

"Physicians for Peace is thrilled to work with our partners to ensure that these children receive the care and fun-filled experience they deserve and need to lead healthier, happier lives," said Brig. Gen. Ron Sconyers (USAF, Ret.). "Camp Jake Richard will be a life-changing experience."

More than 30 children are expected to participate in the camp, which is scheduled to run Jan. 3-8,2012, in Kaliko Beach, about 1.5 hours north of Port-au-Prince.

"The concept for Camp Jake was inspired by my 13-year-old nephew, Jacob Richard, who suffers from Duschesne muscular dystrophy, a degenerative terminal illness," said Tom Landry II, director of Camp Jake and a member of The Red Thread board. "Our camp will bring Jacob's selfless, energetic spirit to the orphaned children of St. Vincent's. We believe every child deserves the most life has to offer, regardless of disability, class, race or circumstance. Camp Jake will assure that physical limitations are left behind and replaced with endless opportunities for emotional and physical development in a fun-filled atmosphere."

Read more about the history of the organizations' collaborative work in Haiti, including ChildFund's $500,000 grant to Physicians for Peace in January 2011, at http://physiciansforpeace.org/partners.html.

ABOUT PHYSICIANS FOR PEACE

Physicians for Peace transforms lives by training, supporting and empowering healthcare professionals working with the world's underserved populations. Since 1989, volunteers have conducted medical missions in more than 60 countries. Find us online at www.physiciansforpeace.org and www.facebook.com/physiciansforpeace. Follow us on Twitter, Physician4Peace.

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