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Camp Jump Start is a summer camp for youth that are in need of medical and professional supervision to help them to lose weight and maintain healthier lifestyles. It was founded by Jean Huelsing, a registered nurse and her husband Tom, a personal trainer. Since opening in 2003, they have assisted campers with great success in meeting long term healthy goals. Jean has dedicated her life to helping kids lose weight and overcome medical obstacles. She is so dedicated, that she had even sold her house at one point to help fund the camp.I just wanted to let you know a little bit about Annie and why I think she deserves this opportunity. Immediately after finding out I was pregnant with her, we were told it wasn't a viable pregnancy. Because of placental abruption, I was put on bed rest and hospitalized many times. We were told by Dr Ana Spence that it would be best to terminate pregnancy because of danger to me and baby. Annie perhaps had been deprived of nutrients and oxygen during the developmental period of the first trimester. We were scared, but went against medical advice and continued with pregnancy. At the time, we didn't realize what a fighter we had. Just before 29 weeks gestation, I began losing amniotic fluid. We were hospitalized again and began preparing for an early birth. They tried to help her lungs develop more quickly and monitored her closely. Just before 32 weeks, she was born. There was a team of doctors there that day, ready to intubate and do whatever necessary. We were told we wouldn't even be able to hold her. All I can say is thank goodness they were wrong! All you heard following her birth were surprised yells of disbelief. "She's pink", "She looks healthy", "How beautiful", "She doesn't even need oxygen", and my favorite..."What a miracle!"
One of the main reasons I wanted to share the circumstances of her birth with you is because I think it shows how she was determined and strong from the very beginning.
To summarize what we are facing now, may indeed relate to her birth. The trouble with her joints may be related to a lack of amniotic fluid during pregnancy. The swelling and pain in her joints has worsened due to weight gain. At the age of 5, she began gaining weight rapidly without explanation. She saw Dr Lori Wagner at St Louis Children's Hospital for years without any real answers. She is currently a patient of Dr Sanchez, an Endocrinologist from Riley in Indianapolis.
This is where the urgency comes in to play. According to Dr Sanchez, we may never know why she has gained the weight, but she is in desperate need now of intervention. She is pre-diabetic and has been prescribed Metformin, she had surgery to help correct her sleep apnea, and is in serious jeopardy of shortening her life expectancy if we do not act at once. Dr Weinzapfel and Dr Sanchez have prescribed Camp Jump Start. They also prescribed classes with a dietician for education. Many insurances cover these for children and adults with her condition. Meritain through Aetna has denied our claim, because she is a child. They will pay for her to have Bariatric surgery, but nothing else. We are frustrated and heart broken.
She had already started seeing a dietician and that will have to come out of pocket now. Her dietician, Karen Denny wrote a wonderful note to help us raise money for Annie that I have attached. I have also attached links to Camp Jump Start. What they do is perform miracles for people that need and want change. Though Annie would maybe only be there 4 weeks, she will be given tools to last the year and so on. She will have access to the camp year round and will be monitored monthly by her personal team. Goals will be set up for not just Annie, but us as well. We, as a family will have the camp as a resource anytime, present or future. We will work hand in hand with her team to help Annie meet her goals.
For those that know Annie, you are aware of what an awesome and deserving kid she is. She's an honor student. Until recently was able to play every sport she wanted. She really misses basketball and soccer, but also played volleyball and softball. She is a semi-finalist in a national poetry contest. She is a true original, with a clever mind and sense of humor. She would have given my mom a run for her money in the humor department. I know this is wordy, but you have no idea how much I edited myself...consider yourselves lucky. Though she has all of these wonderful qualities, she can not possibly meet her full potential without this.
As a mother, I want her to live a long and healthy life. I want to undo the times she's been bullied. I know how badly she wants to be like all of her friends. I wish I could make it easier, but I also know she is who she is because of the struggles she's gone through. As I said, earlier, SHE IS A FIGHTER! It may be more difficult for her to lose weight than most people, but she is a hard working, determined little girl. She is at a crossroads and I pray that she will be able to take advantage of this opportunity. We love that kid with all of our heart!!!
I know it's a lot to ask, especially during graduation and wedding season, but here it goes anyway. We are hoping to send Annie to the 4 week session. She would benefit best from the 8 week session, but it is nearly a $1000.00 a week. The 4 week session is enough to giver her the tools she needs to continue at home. The cost of camp is $4290.00.
Thanks to all for taking the time to read. Whether or not you are able to give, we would still appreciate prayers and well wishes. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Jim and Bobbi Pierson
www.campjumpstart.com
www.LivingWellVillage.com
