I have wanted to volunteer at Camp Dermadillo since I learned about this
wonderful program for children with skin diseases when I was a medical
student. This year was finally the right time. Being the camp doctor for
my cabin of 13-14-year old girls was one of the most rewarding experiences
of my life. As a camp doctor, I also participated in activities with them.
The campers, some of whom have very complex and even disfiguring diseases,
get a chance to explore ropes courses, ride horses, make crafts, participate
in talents shows and so much more! One of my campers’ lives was
dramatically impacted at Camp Dermadillo where she had many firsts, including
swimming for the first time. It was so heartwarming for me to watch her
climb very slowly into the pool and watch her fellow campers coach and
encourage her. They stood right by her side the whole time!
The camps offered by the
American Academy of Dermatology’s Camp Discovery program really empower these young people. The experience teaches them
confidence – to shoot for the stars. And, that their skin condition
does not have to hold them back. I feel fortunate to have met all my campers,
and I hope to continue volunteering at Camp Dermadillo in future summers.
~ Sara Moghaddam, M.D., Atlantic General Dermatology
(Atlantic General Health System dermatologist Sara Moghaddam, MD, right
with her campers at Camp Dermadillo in Burton, TX, summer 2015).