Thanks to generous donations from both the West Hempstead and Rockville Centre Lions Clubs, five local children will have the opportunity to attend the Clara Barton Diabetes Day Camp in Roslyn this summer.

The kids - Michael Nelson, of Oceanside, Dana Laissle, of Deer Park, T.J. Rama, of Lindenhurst, Lauren Boldis, of Merrick, and Nicholas D’Angelo, of Massapequa - are members of Winthrop Hospital’s Kindred Spirit Support Group, which provides education and support for children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and their families. The program is offered through Winthrop’s nationally recognized Diabetes Education Center.

The scholarships donated by the West Hempstead and Rockville Centre Lions will enable the recipients to attend a special camp geared specifically toward insulin-dependent children. This outdoor summer camp combines fun and activity with diabetes education in a relaxed environment that is designed to support and inspire the kids as they deal with their condition.

“The mission of the Kindred Spirit Support Group is to educate, motivate and inspire children with diabetes through educational play. We teach children diabetes self-management skills and how to become advocates for themselves,” said Eileen Egan, FNP, CDE, coordinator of Winthrop’s Kindred Spirits Support Group.

Egan explained that the Lions have been great supporters of the program for numerous years, as one of the organization's main missions is the prevention of diabetes and its potential complications. 

"Their generosity has allowed several of our children to have a wonderful experience at the Clara Barton Diabetes Day Camp," she said. "[It] fosters the ability for the children to develop friendships with other kids who share in their day-to-day struggles, while having fun and learning about diabetes.”

For more information about the Diabetes Education Center at Winthrop-University Hospital and its comprehensive programs, please call (516) 663-2350 or visit www.winthrop.org.

To raise funds for programs like this the West Hempstead Lions Club will be hosting a pancake breakfast this Sunday at West Hempstead High School. To learn how you can become a West Hempstead Lion, email Elizabeth Mandara at eam917@aol.com.