|
 “These physicians come from around the
state and dedicate their time and talent in
helping children learn about their asthma.”
Dean Medical Center pediatric allergist J. Brent Kooistra founded Camp WIKIDAS near Wisconsin Dells 20 years ago. WIKIDAS stands for Wisconsin Kids for Asthma. Dr. Kooistra saw the need for a camp like this one when he started his practice. According to Dr. Kooistra, “It gives the kids a chance to be with other kids with the same condition. It lets them know they are not the only ones with the condition. It provides them with self-esteem and self-confidence and provides a great opportunity for them to learn from each other. It lets them be kids.”
A Camp With a Dedicated Staff
Dr. Kooistra volunteered at Minnesota’s asthma camp for kids and decided that there was a need for one in Wisconsin too. The camp started in 1982 with 30 campers. Twenty years later, they have more than 1,500 kids who have attended the camp. “We have a very dedicated staff. We have two to three physicians on staff daily. These physicians come from around the state and dedicate their time and talent in helping children learn about their asthma.” Dr. Kooistra was recently named 2001 Physician Citizen of the Year by the State Medical Society of Wisconsin for his volunteer work in creating this camp.
Take Your Medicine and Have Fun!
Last summer, 90 children attended the camp. The camp is open to children on daily asthma medication who are between the ages of 8 and 13. The camp costs $220 a week. Dr. Kooistra says that they have been fortunate over the years to work with donors to help defray the cost for those who cannot afford the cost or a portion of the cost. Dr. Kooistra gives his campers one simple instruction: “Take your medicine and have fun.” For more information about the camp or to register, call the American Lung Association at 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872). Slots fill up quickly, so call today.
|
