Walking to fight diabetes

STILLWATER—It’s not unusual for children who attend summer camp to form lifelong friendships with their bunkmates and peers, but factor in a life-altering chronic disease like type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes) and friendships can become brotherhoods, sisterhoods and in the case of some Camp Nejeda Alumni, marriages. The Camp Nejeda Foundation, which operates the only residential summer camp in New Jersey serving exclusively children, young adults and families with type 1 diabetes, announces its Second Annual Walk-A-Thon and Homecoming to take place on Sunday, Sep. 17th on their Stillwater campus. Last year’s Walk-A-Thon and Homecoming attracted over 200 campers, alumni and their family members and raised over $40,000 to support the non-profit Camp Nejeda Foundation’s mission of improving the lives of children with diabetes. Having been in operation since 1958, the Camp has almost 50 years of alumni out there, leading healthy, productive lives. Patti Ricker, Walk-a-thon committee Chair, wants to see even more of them “come home” for this year’s event. “This year’s event will be even better than last year’s,” said Ricker. “We’re getting the word out to as many past and present campers, staff, friends and family of the camp as possible. We are inviting groups and individuals to participate, join in and become a member of the greater Camp Nejeda Family by walking or donating.” Ricker herself attended Camp Nejeda in the ’70s. Those who make the date but want to support the cause can make a pledge on Camp Director, Jim Daschbach or make a general donation to Camp Nejeda. To sponsor Daschbach, or for more information o, contact the camp at walk@campnejeda.org or call 383-2611. Information is also available on the web at www.campnejeda.org.