Our Med Shed Angels

Sending your kiddo off to camp for a week can be scary for ANY parent, but this is especially true for parents with kiddos who have been faced with a cancer diagnosis. It is no secret that here at The Seany Foundation (TSF) we host multiple camps throughout the year, none of which would be possible without the angels on our Medical Staff. ALL of our camps have volunteer doctors and nurses who are on site and readily available 100% of the time for any medical needs.

These medical needs extend beyond cancer needs as well. We are able to safely host any kiddo with just about any medical concern at all of our camps. This doesn't mean that all of our kiddos and families are necessarily undergoing active treatment. This also doesn't mean that your kiddo has to be facing a terminal diagnosis to attend. This DOES mean that we can reassure you that on any given day, at any given time, under any given circumstance that we have an amazing crew ready to handle whatever comes our way.

Today I would like you to hear from our two Co-Head Nurses Chowdah and Montana:

"Hey there we are the "Med Shed" Leadership Team Chowdah and Montana, co-head nurses of Seany's Camp Reach for the Sky (CR4TS). Chowdah is heading into her 11th summer with camp and Montana has been with us for over 10 years as well. Along with the entire medical staff, we are excited to kick off the 2019 summer camp sessions! Being involved as a health care provider and as specialist in hematology/oncology is such an honor. It is rewarding to see campers and families escpaing the hospital, even for a short time, to laugh, be a kid, accomplish a goal that may have seemed impossible, and making lifelong friendships that last for YEARS beyond camp.

What does the Med Shed do you may ask? We work throughout the year planning for the possible medical needs of the campers and staff for each session. At camp, the med shed is staffed with experienced doctors and nurses who specialize in hematology/oncology and the complex issues that may come up at camp. We oversee the health and well being of campers and staff. We create a health clinic environment in the mountains providing first aid, management of camper medical issues including diabetes management, asthma management, administration of all medications and injections needed and most things in between. Our goal is to keep campers safe and healthy while away at camp. We are well equipped with tools and knowledge to manage camper injuries and symptoms should anything occur. We also coordinate with local hospitals and emergency transport should health issues beyond our abilities arise.

Chowdah, Amy, and Montana

We have a variety of roles from management of an emergency to taking out a splinter, to washing and dressing a scrape, to simply comforting a camper who may be missing home."

One of the best parts about our Med Shed is that the nurses and doctors that volunteer their time at camp are the same nurses and doctors that see majority of our kiddos. This is important because the campers are able to see familiar faces, are working with a medical staff that already knows them and their family, and there is already a trusting bond between the Med Shed staff and our families.

Have you ever seen a clinic environment in the mountains? They work to transform cabins that are equipped with mobile medical cots with everything they could possibly need...even the sunscreen! We also understand that not every camper will need to use the Med Shed and that's perfectly fine too. Whether your kiddo was recently diagnosed or has been in remission for 15 years, every single one of them belongs at camp. Our goal is to create an atmosphere where everyone is not only welcomed, but included as part of our camp community, our only rule is that parents go take some time for themselves during the time their kiddos are with us because parents deserve some free time too!

If you have any questions about camp, the medical staff, what can or cannot treat while at camp, how any (or all) of this is possible....or maybe you are simply questioning whether or not this camp is for your kiddo join us next Wednesday, June 5th for a FB Live at 10am and 7pm! Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for specific times and details! If you have a question you want us to address leave a comment, message us on our social media platforms, or simply tune in!!

We look forward to seeing everyone, new and returning, to answer any questions you may have as we get ready to kick off our famous summer sessions!!

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IG: @TheSeanyFoundation
Website: TheSeanyFoundation.org