Meet Riley Fincher-Foster—not a typical kid by any means. She loves singing, dancing, all things theatre and showing off one of the brightest, most contagious smiles! Come rain or shine, nothing keeps this talented youngster from performing in stage plays and musicals. But, for Riley, the tiring days and countless hours of rehearsals, travel and auditions are a breeze compared to her daily battle with type 1 diabetes.

Since the initial diagnosis on September 17, 2013, at just four years of age, Riley and her family have been bound by strict regimens, hundreds of pricks, close monitoring and extreme caution on a constant basis. A child having to deal with such life-changing—life-saving—responsibilities can be overwhelming and “physically and emotionally draining,” says mom, Courtney Fincher-Foster.

To combat the pressures of managing diabetes, Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Upstate launched the Camp Buddy summer program in 2016, creating a space where Riley, and children like her, can share in a sense of normalcy for one full week. Held at the Kroc Center, Camp Buddy helps campers relax and enjoy just being kids while worrying a little less about their disease. Daily activities include group events, swimming, fun competitions, arts and crafts, and more. Some counselors and volunteers are teens and adults also living with diabetes who are able to show campers that they, too, can live long, healthy lives.

The best part of the entire week, however, is the opportunity for campers to meet and develop lifelong bonds with peers who are just like them. New friends they may have never met if it weren’t for Camp Buddy. “Camp Buddy is a time when [Riley] can be with other type 1 children. Where syringes, finger pricks, glucose monitoring and pumps are the norm. It has made a great impact on her,” smiles mom, Courtney Fincher-Foster.

Pediatric Endocrinology

At Prisma Health Pediatric Endocrinology, our team of board-certified pediatric endocrinologists provide comprehensive care to children with diabetes and hormonal irregularities. The team specializes in all aspects of pediatric endocrinology and strives to provide our patients and their families with the highest level of care available.

Support Pediatric Endocrinology with a donation

When you support the Pediatric Endocrinology department through Radiothon, you will help make sure their young patients will have easy access to their insulin no matter where they go. Among other things, funds raised will help the department purchase insulin tote bags for patients. The bags will store the insulin under proper conditions, ensuring our patients can go about their daily lives knowing they have easy access to their insulin when needed.

Need another way to give? You can use our text-to-give option!
Simply text RileyF to 41444, then follow the link in the reply to access the donation form.