From Transplant to Camp

For Brock, the early years of his life was like living in a bubble.

Brock was born with a rare metabolic condition called Argininosuccinate Lyase Deficiency. His liver was unable to properly break down protein, so Brock required constant monitoring, had a very restrictive diet, and would end up in the hospital for a simple virus.

Then at age two, Brock received a life-changing liver transplant.

Like many kids living with high medical needs, Brock faces ongoing challenges. He’s been diagnosed with a language disorder and ADHD, and has needed physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Almost eight years post-transplant, he’s loving life! Brock enjoys traveling, nature walks, Lego building, cooking and playing at the park. Brock is becoming more independent every day but still requires support in certain situations.

Last year, during a routine visit with his SickKids transplant team, his family learned Brock was eligible for Campfire Circle’s medically supported camp session for kids with solid organ transplants. While they were excited by the opportunity, his parents, Sue and Shawn, decided they weren’t yet comfortable sending Brock away for a week by himself.

Instead, they attended a Weekend at Camp (WAC) in the fall – a decision that became a turning point.

From the moment they arrived, they felt welcomed.

“It was a combination of the camp staff, the environment, and the other families there that made it such an incredible experience,” Shawn says.

“When you’re in the transplant world, your family and friends are great supports, but the only people who truly know what you’re going through are people going through something similar,” says Sue. “Camp gave us the opportunity to talk openly with other families who “get it” and enjoy some fun activities together.”

For them, what stood out most was how naturally camp accommodated medical needs.

“The Med Shed was so beautiful, and the staff normalized giving care,” says Sue. “Everybody had their own needs. But kids were able to be kids.”

The weekend was just as meaningful for Brock’s sister, Faye. Sue and Shawn didn’t expect sibling connection to be such a defining part of camp. At mealtimes, Brock bonded with another camper close to his age, while Faye connected with a girl who also had a younger brother with a serious illness.

“Faye told us, ‘I’ve never been able to talk to anybody that has a brother with medical issues – this is so great,’” says Sue.

“That WAC gave us a shared experience. We saw how well the camp was run and how caring and attentive staff were to every child’s individual needs,” says Shawn. “Now I can picture what Brock will be doing when he’s away.”

This summer, both Brock and Faye are eager to return to camp.

“As parents, we know that in the everyday world, the opportunity for kids like Brock to go to camp just wouldn’t be possible,” says Sue. “After seeing it firsthand, it’s incredible to know that he can spend a week simply being a regular kid. At Campfire Circle, they focus on possibilities rather than limitations. It truly is a magical place.”