Medical Care - Who We Serve

The Double H Ranch provides specialized programs and year-round support for children dealing with life-threatening illnesses between the ages of 6 – 16 during regular sessions and ages 17-21 during the alumni session. The following is a brief summary of some of the diagnoses we serve:

Cancer
Sickle Cell Anemia
Hemophilia/Other Bleeding Disorders
HIV/Immune Disorders
Collagen Vascular Disease
Neuromuscular Disorder
Children who are Ventilator Dependent
Mitochondrial Disorders

Cancer: Approximately 6,000 - 8,000 new cases of childhood Cancer are diagnosed annually in the U.S. More than 70% of childhood cancers can be cured. Leukemia is the most common type of childhood Cancer, which is a Cancer of the blood or bone marrow. Treatment often cures childhood leukemia. Treatment options include chemotherapy, other drug therapy and radiation. In some cases bone marrow and blood stem cell transplantation might help. At camp we can show kids how to be a kid again after undergoing painful, difficult life saving treatments for their disease.   

Sickle Cell Anemia: An inherited disorder of hemoglobin and red blood cells characterized by significant anemia and recurrent episodes of pain caused by the “sickled” red blood cells in small blood vessels. Triggers such as exposure to cold, dehydration, infection and fever can result in a painful “crisis” Treatment is with medications to help prevent infection and sickling. At camp, we help kids participate in all activities while maintaining their health. If a crisis occurs, we can frequently treat it at camp, and allow the child to resume normal activities quickly.

Hemophilia/Other Bleeding Disorders:  A bleeding disorder caused by lack of coagulation factors in the blood which can result in a child being more likely to bleed and less able to stop bleeding once it has started. Bleeding occurs mostly in the joints or muscles but more serious problems occur with internal bleeding and bleeding into the brain as a result of a head injury.  At camp, we infuse prophylactic factor to prevent bleeds, or to treat them if they occur. 

HIV/Immune Disorder: Children with an inherited or acquired immunological disorder have a malfunctioning immune system and are not able to properly fight infection. The HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes an infection that can result in AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). If the immune system is not working properly then a child is at risk for infections and some cancers. There is no cure for HIV, but it can be controlled by medications. Kids with HIV at camp can participate in all activities while they receive their extensive medications and are monitored for illness.     

Collagen Vascular Disease: Collagen is a tough, glue-like protein that represents 30% of the body’s proteins. It shapes the structure of tendons, bones and connective tissue. Collagen Vascular Disease occurs when problems with the immune system affect these structures. Common forms of Collagen Vascular Disease include Arthritis and Lupus. At camp, these children learn to stretch their wings as well as their muscles as they participate in fun activities.

Neuromuscular Disorders: Neuromuscular disorders cover a vast list of diagnoses including Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Arthrogryposis, and Spina Bifida. They all have in common that the individual has difficulty in using their muscles.  Many of these children depend on wheelchairs, crutches, or other aids for mobility, and may require intense help for activities of daily living. Camp allows these children to participate in many activities that they normally couldn’t do such as the high ropes course and horseback riding.

Children who are Ventilator Dependent: As medicine has been able to prolong the life of children with previously lethal disorders, we now have a growing number of children who are technology dependent for life. These include children with severe Muscular Dystrophy, High Spinal Cord Lesions, Central Hypoventilation, etc. To serve this group, we now hold a family session for children who are Ventilator Dependent.  Here, the whole family participates in the fun of outdoor activities and the parents get a little relief from the responsibilities of daily care.

Mitochondrial Disorders: This includes a variety of conditions where the mitochondria, the “energy factory” of each cell, is damaged.  These children tire easily, may have difficulty metabolizing food appropriately, and are prone to low blood sugar.  Camp activities are modified to fit their needs. 

This is not a complete list of conditions we serve. Please see our Campers & Families section for a complete list. Some conditions may also be served during a Spring/Fall Retreat Weekend or during our Adaptive Winter Sports Program.  If your child does not appear to fit into one of these categories, please do not hesitate to contact our Admissions Office at 518.696.5676 ext. 222.