CAMP JAKE: In the news

Strong partnerships between US NGOs helps expand summer camp for children with disabilities in Haiti

Three-year partnership between The Red Thread Promise and Physicians for Peace brings more kids to camp

Camp Director, Tom, brandishing the donation from Physicians for Peace with campers

Havertown, PA – July 2, 2013 – Thanks to the collaborative efforts of a dedicated group of nonprofits, dozens of Haitian children with disabilities will gather outside Port-au-Prince again this July for an unparalleled summer camp experience. Camp Jake (a program of The Red Thread Promise) removes physical and emotional barriers, engaging campers in activities that promote health, healing and exploration in a fun nurturing environment. Thanks to The Red Thread’s long-term partnership with Physicians for Peace and a grant from the Major League Baseball Players Trust, we are able to expand the camp, bringing hope and healing to more students from St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children.

Together with the Players Trust, Physicians for Peace recently awarded $22,000 to The Red Thread Promise to support Camp Jake. The 40 plus campers expected to attend camp July 12-19 call St. Vincent's Center for Handicapped Children home in Port-au-Prince. 

"The concept for Camp Jake was inspired by my 16-year-old nephew, Jacob Richard, who suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a degenerative terminal illness,” said Tom Landry II, camp director and Red Thread board member. “We believe every child deserves the most life has to offer, regardless of ability, 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. 

During camp, blind, deaf and non-ambulatory children take part in creative arts, music, occupational and physical therapy, expand on personal hygiene, hone life-skills, and participate in career-building opportunities under the supervision of a team of volunteer counselors, artists, musicians, mentors and healthcare professionals. Most importantly, campers learn to love and accept themselves for who they are and experience that love and respect reciprocated by Camp Jake counselors. 

"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.). "Once again, Camp Jake will be a life-changing experience."

“The Players Trust and all Major Leaguers are honored to support the efforts of Physicians for Peace and Camp Jake in helping provide these special young children with an experience they’ll never forget,” said Melissa Persaud, director of the Players Trust.  “Major Leaguers, through the Players Trust, are passionate about helping people in time of need. The players realize that misfortune can befall anyone at any time and are determined to partner with like-minded charitable organizations that share their passion to help.”

ABOUT THE RED THREAD PROMISE

The Red Thread Promise is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to bringing hope and healing to needy and orphaned children in China, Haiti and the United States. Our diverse programs exist to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities so they can live independently with dignity, health and, most importantly, HOPE. For additional information about our work in Haiti, please watch our video. Find The Red Thread online, on Facebook, and Twitter: @trtpromise. 

ABOUT PHYSICIANS FOR PEACE
Physicians for Peace is an international non-profit organization that mobilizes volunteer healthcare professionals to assist developing nations with unmet needs and scarce resources. Through effective, hands-on medical education and training, clinical care and donated medical supplies, Physicians for Peace develops long-term, sustainable, replicable and evidence-based programs to help partner nations build medical capability and capacity to help themselves. For additional information about Physicians for Peace, please visit our website and follow us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter, Physician4Peace.

ABOUT THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS TRUST
Through the Players Trust, Major Leaguers contribute their time, money and celebrity to call attention to important causes affecting the needy and to help encourage others to get involved in their own communities. For additional information, please visit www.MLBPLAYERS.com and visit the Players Trust channel on YouTube. Follow the Trust on Twitter: @MLBPlayersTrust.