Camp M.A.S.H.

Children from across the state, will have great memories of summer camp. Camp M.A.S.H. just wrapped up. MASH stands for "Make Arthritis Stop Hurting." All of the children have some form of arthritis.

Campers like Meredith Burtron like knowing that other campers can relate to her. "We can each communicate to each other about how we feel. I am liking it here."

Sixteen year old Gabe Stevens has come to Camp MASH for the past eight summers. Despite arthritis in his knees, fingers, toes and back, he is able to enjoy activities like horseback riding, that he normally wouldn't be able to participate in. "They revolve everything around kids with arthritis. They make everything easy for you. If you are too tired to walk, they give you a ride on the gator. You are surrounded by people who care about you."

The campers come alone for the first half of the week, and their parents and siblings join them for the second half, since their arthritis affects the whole family. Executive Director Kim Gallops says, "When they leave here, the kids have memories that will last a lifetime and the parents are prepared to fight this disease for the rest of the year."

Camp MASH is located in West Mobile at the sight of Camp Grace.