After decades of unwavering compassion and commitment to the Double H Ranch, Dr. Kathleen Braico, our founding Medical Director, will retire at the end of the 2021 program season. Dr. Kathy has spent 29 years developing a camp medical program that today sets the standard for safety and quality of care for children with serious illnesses and their families.
We will be forever grateful for the long hours she spent on camp and off, ensuring everything we did reflected the mission of Double H. Her work was always driven by what would improve the quality of life for all that experienced camp. Not only did she care for our kids and staff, but she also researched, collaborated, developed policy, motivated, and trained our team each summer.
Kathy has been on the front lines of all the indescribable accomplishments of camp- cheering on the HH community, championing a one-of-a-kind program for children living on ventilators, and providing mentorship for thousands of medical professionals.
Double H Ranch is possible because of Dr. Kathy Braico. Her legacy of compassionate medical care will remain at the foundation of the important work ahead. We wish her and her family all the best as she begins this next exciting chapter. We know this is not goodbye but see you soon.
A Message from Max
In the early part of 1993, Charley Wood and I met with the CEO of the Glens Falls Hospital and a large room of physicians from the area. We shared our story and vision with the group of clinical professionals and at the end of the presentation, we asked if there was any interest in someone serving as our Medical Director. In Kathy’s own words, she felt badly for us as we were in a desperate position to find a Medical Director immediately in order to open our doors on July 4, 1993. Kathy simply stated, “I’ll give it a try and see where it goes”. The rest is history! Since our inception, Dr. Kathy recognized the challenges and more importantly the opportunities to enhance the lives of children dealing with serious illness and never looked back.
The Double H Ranch is proud to announce The Dr. Braico Fellowship Fund to support future counselor staff salaries of those pursuing a degree in the medical field. Additionally, one counselor/student each summer will be selected to receive a $1,000 stipend toward their educational expenses in her honor. Donate today!
Dr. Kathy,
You are an amazing woman. I learned so much for you in the 5 years I spent at HH all those years ago (97-01). Your dedication and commitment to HH is inspiring. You are not only a great doctor but also an amazing mother and grandmother as well. I am so privileged to have worked with you and call your son my good friend. Enjoy your well deserved retirement.
Stefanie
Dear Dr. Kathy,
Thank you for your timeless dedication to all.
I only volunteered two times being a translator for some Quebec campers. I was completely overwhelmed and appreciative of all the care and love the campers received every moment there. I also saw how some could go to Paul’s Body Shop for immediate attention when needed instead of having to leave camp and go to the hospital.
In addition, watching the dedication of all staff as they went in their golf carts to the campers all day at their various activities to administer medications, etc. was just brilliant. Thank you.
Lorraine Krause
Hinchinbrooke
Quebec