81R5366 MG-D

By: Kuempel H.R. No. 227

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, For the past 35 years Camp Okawehna has provided a memorable summer camp experience to countless children who are facing chronic kidney disease; and

WHEREAS, More than 7,000 children have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in the United States since 1994, and approximately half of these children require dialysis or kidney transplants as the illness progresses; Dialysis Clinic, Inc., a nonprofit organization that operates facilities throughout the country, established Camp Okawehna in 1974 as a summer camp for children with this serious condition; and

WHEREAS, This full-service camp is held annually during the first full week of June at the Cedar Crest Campground near Nashville, Tennessee; Camp Okawehna features onsite medical facilities and is open to children ages 6 to 18 who have kidney disease, as well as those who have had transplants or are undergoing dialysis therapy; although at least 90 percent of these young patients are able to participate fully in sports and other physical activities, they often maintain rigid daily schedules, and Camp Okawehna offers them a welcome respite in a fun-filled atmosphere; and

WHEREAS, Campers spend their time playing basketball or soccer, swimming, canoeing, or engaging in ropes courses and scavenger hunts; the children also enjoy arts and crafts projects, dances, and bonfires, and they can relax in the company of others who have had similar experiences with chronic kidney disease; what began with 15 campers in its first year has grown to accommodate more than 110 children from all over the country, along with 80 staff volunteers; and

WHEREAS, The cost of attending Camp Okawehna is largely underwritten by Dialysis Clinic, Inc.; this notable organization also administers the treatment of children from the Lone Star State at its Austin facility, the Children's Dialysis Clinic of Central Texas, and in 2009, DCI is hosting the following young Texans at Camp Okawehna: Austin Booth, Avonna James, Aaron Stevenson, Sandra Rodriguez, Oscar Rangel, Mitchell Vanderwoude, Max Schultz, Isaac Botello, Romeena Momin, and Lonnie Wren; and

WHEREAS, Camp Okawehna has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to children with chronic kidney disease, and its campers have benefited in myriad ways from this noteworthy institution; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby commend Camp Okawehna for its invaluable service to children coping with chronic kidney disease and extend to all those associated with the camp sincere best wishes for continued success with this worthy endeavor; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Camp Okawehna as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.