According to recent data, every 90 minutes a person gets diagnosed with ALS or passes away from it. As a result, there are thousands of kids taking care of a loved one with the progressive disease. The nonprofit Hope Loves Company doesn’t want them to feel alone.
At Hope Loves Company’s camp, children and teens participate in a free three-day overnight retreat where they can find support, understanding and campfire singalongs.
“The more tools we can give children to voice how they’re feeling and to cope with what they’re feeling at their pace, the better the chances are that they become capable, loving and caring adults,” said Jodi O’Donnell-Ames, founder of Hope Loves Company.
Parents also have the option to join their children to provide additional emotional support.
“I think they become more comfortable with who they are, how they handle things,” said parent Julia Krispeal about her sons who have been attending the camp for several years. “Having the support around you, from other children that understand, that’s a comfort in itself.”
Hope Loves Company continues to expand, with camps now in six states and hundreds of care packages sent to ALS families in need.
In the video above, learn how the Hope Loves Company summer camp supports youth caregivers. Find out more about their resources and programs here.
