As you may know, I’ve been fortunate to be a part of the YMCA Frost Valley Kidney Camp for over 15 years. Each summer, I serve as a physician at this unique camp, which was founded 50 years ago in partnership with Montefiore/Einstein and the Ruth Gottscho Kidney Foundation. The camp is the only one of its kind in the country, where children with kidney disease receive dialysis on-site and are fully integrated with healthy campers in a traditional camp setting.

For me, this experience is one of the highlights of my year. Instead of seeing my patients in the hospital, often feeling sick or in pain, I get to witness them thriving at camp—smiling, enjoying the outdoors, and having fun just like healthy children. The impact on these kids is incredible: they leave with newfound confidence, strength, and lasting friendships. Many return as counselors, becoming role models for future kidney campers. One former camper is even now a nurse at our Children's Hospital, helping others who, like herself, live with kidney disease.

The camp’s success depends on the generosity of donors, who make it possible to cover the cost of medical care and camp fees, especially for families who could not otherwise afford it. As we approach the end of the year, I’m hoping you’ll consider supporting the Frost Valley YMCA Kidney Camp. Your donation will directly impact the lives of these children and help provide a life-changing summer experience that builds resilience and hope.

I truly appreciate your consideration, and I am grateful for any support you can provide.

Will you join us in our Year-End Campaign?