A big thank you to Sheila B. Frascht, Nurse Clinician – Pediatric Pain & Palliative Care at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, and their entire team for inviting Camp Courageous to be part of the Nonprofit Organization Panel at their Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Conference!

Sheila introduced Camp Courageous from both her perspective as a nurse and as a parent, sharing that when it comes to her daughter’s favorite places in the world, it’s a toss-up between Disney World and Camp Courageous! Hearing what Camp means to families firsthand is always special, and we couldn’t ask for a better compliment!

Camp Courageous had the opportunity to share more about our year-round recreational, respite, and travel opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families. We also shared a few recommendations for those interested in offering similar opportunities in their own communities.

It was a great afternoon of sharing resources, making connections, and learning more about the wonderful work happening across Iowa. We enjoyed visiting with healthcare professionals and representatives from Adaptive Sports Iowa, Can Play (Des Moines & Iowa City), ChildServe Bike Camp, Make-A-Wish Iowa, and Miracles in Motion. There are so many great organizations doing meaningful work, and the more we know about one another, the better we can help connect individuals and families with opportunities that fit their needs and interests.

The panel also followed a presentation by the one and only Jan Jensen, University of Iowa Women’s Basketball Head Coach, who spoke on “Coaching: The Importance of Being All In, All the Time.” Camp Courageous’ Kaite Ryan and Carlie Carlson from Adaptive Sports Iowa even had a few minutes to visit with Coach Jensen between sessions!

Thank you again to Sheila and the entire team for including Camp Courageous and bringing so many wonderful organizations together!