The YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford believes that every child deserves the opportunity to experience summer camp. That’s why, when Hemophilia Ontario approached several camps in hopes of developing a program for children with this rare bleeding disorder, YMCA Wanakita showed bravery and integrity by stepping up to the plate.
With encouragement from Hamilton hematologist Dr. Mo Ali, then a member of our Board of Directors, we partnered with Hemophilia Ontario to develop a YMCA Wanakita program especially for kids with hemophilia.
Twenty years later, this camp is going strong. At camp, children learn to self-infuse their medication under the supervision of volunteer doctors and nurses. Dan Ignas learned to self-infuse at the age of 10, which meant he no longer needed a parent or nurse to help him. “It was a huge step towards independence,” says Dan, now 27, who attended YMCA Wanakita for many years as a camper and then as a counsellor.
For every other aspect of camp life, children are integrated into regular programming. “You’re mixed in with everyone,” says Dan. “It’s a warm, healthy, inclusive environment. That’s definitely the beauty of YMCA Wanakita.”
