When Your World Shrinks
Every parent wishes all the opportunities in the world for their children. But when your child is diagnosed with a life-altering medical condition, or undergoes a solid organ transplant surgery, the list of opportunities begins to shrink.
This was true for Delilah. Born with a congenital liver disorder, her childhood revolved around hospitals, treatments, and waiting. As she spent months on life support, her family wrestled with the reality that she might not survive. Then, she received a transplant that saved her life.
Delilah’s new liver brought different challenges: a compromised immune system, ongoing medication to prevent organ rejection, and necessary isolation as her immune system began to rebuild. This meant Delilah missed many childhood activities at school and with friends.
By age nine, Delilah was struggling with anxiety and depression. Her world felt small and “normal” didn’t feel possible.
How Camp Changed Everything
During a routine visit with her transplant team at the hospital, a nurse told Delilah’s mother about Camp Korey, our SeriousFun camp in Washington. With Delilah’s daily medical and emotional support needs, her parents never imagined an opportunitylike this would be possible.
But SeriousFun camps were made to support kids like Delilah and their families.
“We had no idea what to expect but were very excited to give Delilah the opportunity to be around other children who have had a transplant and were going through similar experiences,” said Tabitha, Delilah’s mother.
During a Family Camp weekend program, Delilah bonded with kids just like her. Meanwhile, her parents found a community of caregivers like them—something they hadn’t realized just how much they needed.
“The entire weekend was full of fun and new friendships,” said Tabitha. “My husband and I never realized how much we also needed to connect with parents who have children who have had a transplant. We knew right then and there that Camp Korey was a place of love and acceptance.”
Deliah shares a giggle with a counselor at the craft table
The next summer, Delilah attended a week-long Transplant Camp program on her own. For Delilah, this marked a major childhood milestone: her first “time away” from her home, her parents, and the hospital.
For her parents, there was rare relief. For the first time ever, they had found people they could trust to manage Delilah’s complex medical needs. “The camp medical team was so very prepared and organized. I knew she would be safe,” said Tabitha. “Before Camp Korey, I had never felt safe leaving her somewhere without me.”
So Much More Than Fun
For Delilah, Tabitha, and their family, the impact of camp extended well beyond the session.
The restorative time away—where Delilah could participate in new activities like archery, swimming, and stage night safely with her peers—fostered new belonging, independence, and confidence.
When Tabitha arrived at camp pick-up, she watched her daughter from a distance and saw an immediate transformation: Delilah was laughing and socializing with her hair in pigtails and her t-shirt tied to the side.
As Tabitha put it, she was suddenly “a little older, and a lot more confident!”
“We never expected our family to walk away from the experience so changed,” said Tabitha. “Camp Korey always knows how to make Delilah smile.”
Camp changed everything: It expanded Delilah’s world, boosted her confidence, and connected her family to a wider community of support when they needed it most.
