Camp Not-A-Wheeze provides kids with an opportunity to develop their asthma-coping skills in an outdoor setting.

Courtesy of Danielle zaleski

Other articles by Loni Nannini:

Mother's Day gifts brighten holiday for women in shelters Small school helps at-risk kids discover their potential 'Funraiser' supports San Xavier with a true Southwestern vibe No small thought: Derby Day is near Flower-themed event has cancer-care goal Funding ALS research a family affair She's the model of success over adversity Meeting autism head-on gives special kids a boost Inventor's death inspires effort to discover heart cure Playing dress-up was never so much fun for docents

Health Care
Mountain View Retirement Village
LPN Dental
Dr. John Carson, DDS, PC
Dental Asst/Treatment Coordinator Trades/Construction
Paragon Electric
Electricians Health Care
Visiting Angels
Caregivers Education
Indian Oasis Baboquivari Unified School District
Teachers / Principals Driver/Transportation
Allied Building Products
Driver / Rooftop Loader Driver/Transportation
Pioneer Landscaping
Drivers/End-Dumps

What a difference a week makes.

It's time enough for Bernadette "Bernie" Kidder and more than 40 other health-care professionals to help kids learn to ride horses, catch fish and commandeer canoes. It also gives volunteers time to teach campers at Camp Not-A-Wheeze to take control of their asthma and take charge of their lives.

"In addition to letting them be kids at a regular camp, we are giving them some tools to help them understand asthma and teaching them, 'If you control it, it won't control you,' " said Kidder, a respiratory therapist anticipating her 14th year at the camp sponsored by the American Lung Association at Friendly Pines in Prescott.

Each June, she uses seven days of her paid time off from Northwest Medical Center to spend the week volunteering alongside other respiratory therapists, nurses, pharmacists and physicians.

Camp Not-A-Wheeze serves children ages 7-14 with moderate to severe asthma that would prohibit them from attending other camps. The camp boasts a complete infirmary and full staff, including two pediatric pulmonologists. Two licensed medical professionals carrying medical kits and portable nebulizers accompany every camper around the clock. The cost averages $1,600 per child, and about 90 percent of the 109 campers attending this year are on scholarship.

Danielle Zaleski, executive director of the Southern Arizona Branch of the American Lung Association, said that although their asthma can be life-threatening, many campers receive medical care only sporadically at clinics or school and have no experience in managing their disease.

"These are kids who very often can't breathe, to put it bluntly," Zaleski said. "They have never been taught to manage their asthma, and, because of that, don't think they can participate in activities. Camp shows them how to manage asthma through medications, and it is really enlightening for these kids and their parents."

Camp includes an hour each day of asthma education covering topics ranging from medications and recognizing asthma triggers to warning signs and emergency management. For kids who may often feel different or isolated, the experience also provides exposure to others who understand the effects of asthma, according to Camp Director Donna Bryson. She said it literally transforms the lives of many of the children.

"We want them to know, 'Yes, you can!' since they are so often told that they can't," she said. "We teach them to be active, normal kids while still dealing with asthma. They learn it is really management of the disease that will allow them to live a full and normal life."

The joy of watching children's horizons expand has become a passion for Kidder, who has recruited co-workers as volunteers and recently was named American Lung Association Camp Volunteer of the Year for 2005-2006.

"In addition to being important work, it is a lot of fun," she said. "You see in that very short time how much these kids have grown and become more independent and more confident in themselves and the camaraderie of the whole camp experience. . . . they get such a glow. It is just good to see that progression in those seven short days."