for·ti·fy  (fôr t -f )

To make strong, as: a. To strengthen and secure. b. To reinforce by adding material. c. To impart physical strength or endurance to; invigorate. d. To give emotional, moral, or mental strength to; encourage. e. To strengthen or enrich.

Every day the 24 member agencies of Combined Health Agencies support families in San Diego County. Recently, San Diego County Ford Dealers Association provided funds to start a new program called Fordify the Family. This program will specifically assist local health organizations on an as-needed basis to help support camps for children, respite care and support groups.

The Fordify the Family program, developed and managed by Combined Health Agencies, is designed to allow the member charities to enrich the bond of even more San Diego families. “Having a loved one affected by a health condition is challenging and emotionally draining. By strengthening and supporting the families of our community we will make San Diego a healthier place to call home.” said John Ham from Perry Ford in Poway. “That is why I wanted to become involved with this endeavor.”

American Diabetes Association

The American Diabetes Association was able to send one more camper, Anthony, to their annual Camp Wana Cura thanks to the Fordify the Family program.

Anthony had a great time at camp and said "I like camp because we get to go down the water slide at the pool. The teen aides are cool, like Martin. And I don't feel left out because of my diabetes."

Each year children with diabetes attend a summer camp just for them, where monitoring their blood sugar levels is normal and doesn’t have to detract from the fun.

American Lung Association

“Being the mother of a severe asthmatic, there are so many factors that we have to take into consideration just for Carey to have a somewhat normal childhood,” said Vikita Poindexter, Carey’s mom.  “We all take breathing for granted – Carey can’t. For him, it can be a monumental task.  No one should struggle to breathe.”

Thanks to the Fordify the Family program Carey was able to attend the American Lung Association’s SCAMP Camp where he was able to play in a safe environment because his asthma was safely managed.

At SCAMP CAMP, kids like Carey are able to hike, swim, canoe, and participate in regular camp activities knowing they are safe under the care of a volunteer medical staff consisting of physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists. In addition to the usual camp activities, kids receive daily education on how to manage their asthma, so that they can lead full, active lives.

Autism Society of America

Every year the Autism Society of America, San Diego Chapter, hosts sixteen weeks of summer camp. The organization’s Camp I CAN and surf camps are unique opportunities for children on the Autism Spectrum to share in that childhood camp experience. Each child has one on one attention from a counselor so that they can enjoy field trips to the Birch Aquarium, San Diego Zoo, and other local field trips in a fun and safe environment.

This year through the Fordify the Family program five-year old Anthony was able to attend surf camp for the second year in a row. His mother said “Every day since camp last year Anthony would wake up asking if he would get to surf at camp and see his counselor Kristin today. And every day for the past year his mother would tell him “no, not today.” When August 22^nd came around this year because of the grant from the program Anthony’s mother was able to tell him that “Yes! Today you get to go to surf camp and see Kristin!”

While Anthony was at surf camp spending time with his counselor Kristin, who is a Special Education teacher during the school year, his mother had the piece of mind that her son was safe and having the time of his life. This reprieve is so crucial to the health and well being of not just Anthony but his entire family. Obviously this camp has made an impact on Anthony’s life and this partnership made it possible.

Burn Institute

Over seventy campers attended the Burn Institute’s Camp Beyond the Scars summer camp this year with the specific support of the Fordify the Family program. Campers and counselors alike rave about the powerful experience. Burn Institute volunteer, Imperial Beach Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic, and first year camp counselor said:

“I had the opportunity to witness the children be children, regardless of how their bodies, skin and lives had been devastated. I saw how brave, silly, fun and enthusiastic everybody was with each other, and I now know how camp and assistance from the Burn Institute helped facilitate that experience.  I taught the teenage girls how to paint flowers on their toenails…They showed me a refreshing outlook and inspiration to life.  Throughout the week, I didn’t see scar tissue and defeat…I saw happy eyes, growing personalities and giggling smiles.“

Epilepsy Foundation

The Fordify the Family program provided a child the opportunity to attend The Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County’s Camp Quest this past July. This camp is the opportunity for children living with epilepsy to experience a week of life changing outdoor adventures in the hills of Julian. The Foundation provides extra supervision and medical care at this 5 night resident camp, so the children can spend their days swimming, rock climbing, making new friends, and just being kids. Each camper returns to their families with a renewed sense of independence, a stronger belief in themselves and gratitude for this special childhood experience.

Not only do the children have a great time but the parents of the campers also appreciate the time, knowing their child is having fun in a safe environment. “My son comes back from camp a better person.  He enjoys his time with kids who are going through the same thing he is. Once again thank you!”

Fresh Start Surgical Gifts

Fresh Start Surgical Gifts benefitted from the Fordify the Family Program and was able to provide life-changing surgery to a three year old girl names Ema.

Ema was born with Apert Syndrome along with many other medical issues and deformities. Apert Syndrome is a congenital disorder which causes craniofacial abnormality (deformities relating to the face, skull, and jaw). Her condition requires extensive evaluations and multiple surgeries; the first treatment has already begun to take place to separate her hands and toes so she can have full mobility. Ema’s surgery with Fresh Start in September was possible because of the support from the Ford Motor Company.

Fresh Start is not only transforming Ema’s physical appearance, they are also giving Ema the self-confidence to succeed in the future.

Muscular Dystrophy Association

Through the Fordify the Family program the Muscular Dystrophy Association was able to build upon their yearly camp experience to make it even better for every child that attends.

Caleb is 6 years old and affected with Ulrich's Disease, a form of Muscular Dystrophy. Caleb is from Vista California, loves Star Wars and can't wait to attend his first year of MDA Summer Camp in 2012 when he is finally old enough to go. For years, Caleb has heard about the fun at camp from the arts and crafts, adaptive sports, dances and talent shows. And now he will get to experience it for the first time thanks to the San Diego County Ford Dealers Association

Caleb is such an inspiration as he takes his first steps.