TUPELO--Kathy Haynes of Houlka had been a camp counselor for Camp Breathe Ezzzze at Tishomingo State Park for several years when her 2-year old grandson, Tanner, was diagnosed with asthma.

 

"It really hit home then," said Haynes, a respiratory therapist for 29 years, certified asthma educator, and respiratory manager for women and children's services at North Mississippi Medical Center (NMMC) in Tupelo.

 

Haynes was recruited to help with the camp in 2004, years before her grandson was born.

 

"Our hospital needed someone motivated and energetic to help out at the camp, and the lady in charge was retiring around the same time the hospital added the women's and children's service line," she said. "I covered an abundance of research to prepare for this role. Soon after, my grandson was diagnosed. Even though I wish he didn't have asthma, I can help."

 

Children with asthma ages 6 to 12 from Mississippi will participate in the NMMC-sponsored asthma camp May 25-28 that helps children learn to "breathe ezzzze." The American Lung Association of Mississippi, Project Hope and United Way of Northeast Mississippi provide assistance for the camp, which is designed to boost self-esteem and nurture friendships among children with asthma through a variety of fun activities and educational sessions on asthma and its treatment.

 

"There's a misperception that you should really only be concerned when a child with asthma is having an episode, but that's not true," explained Haynes. "When you hear wheezing, it's obvious. But people should realize it's a chronic disease like diabetes and requires daily monitoring and sometimes medication.

 

Anytime an adult has a child with asthma under their care, they should know the action plan. In fact, we work with camp children to develop one, and we encourage their parents to send a copy of that action plan with the child on outings away from home."

 

This year's camp theme is "Combating Asthma through Education and Fun."

 

"We work closely with the Mississippi Lung Association and pattern our camps after others like Camp Wheeze-Away," said Haynes. "In fact, their camp session is in July and this year, they're using the same theme as ours."

 

Camp Wheeze-Away, the only other summer camp for children with asthma in the state, will be held July 13-16 for ages 8 to 12 at Camp Wesley Pines in Gallman.

 

Camp Breathe Ezzzze accepts up to 50 children for the session and averages 44 to 47 participants. Even though there is a $75 fee for campers, full scholarships are available. 
"Our campers are predominantly from North Mississippi—usually the six-county area in United Way's territory," said Haynes. "We haven't gone below Highway 82 yet, but would gladly do so."

 

The camp is jam-packed with outings ranging from playing at a water park in nearby Red Bay, Ala., that camp organizers reserve for a half-day for easier monitoring, to horseback riding, to teaching children how to fish, and sports activities "to remind children with asthma they can play any sport they wish as long as they monitor their asthma," said Haynes. "We also take them to visit HealthWorks! (Children's Health Education Center), a fantastic new museum that opened recently in Tupelo. There's only one other like it in the country. On the last night of camp, we host a dance that has them doing the chicken, the twist, in-line dancing, and all sorts of moves. They're a hoot to watch."

 

For some asthmatic children, the camp is the only time of the year they'll share an adventure with other asthmatic children, said Haynes.

 

"They're so accustomed to being different among their friends, but at the camp, they can let loose and not feel like the odd person out," she said.

 

Hayden Davis of Mantachie, 12, agrees. During the 2008 camp session, she learned useful information from counselors while also making new friends.

 

Griffin Hutchins of Caledonia, 9, is looking forward to the 2009 session. Last year, "I learned a lot about myself and how to take care of myself," he said.

 

Lee Greenhaw of Fulton, 13, called the 2008 session "a great learning experience with a lot of fun activities."

 

Haynes understands why some parents of asthmatic children may be reluctant to let them go away for the four-day, three-night event.

 

"I'm sure parents have been frightened by experiencing asthmatic episodes with their children, and they may be nervous about letting them go away from home," she said. "But we have healthcare personnel in every hut, an arsenal of medical supplies, and emergency needs on hand. Parents can be rest assured we'll take good care of their children."