Camp Chimer celebrates 40 years of helping kids with kidney disease simply be kids

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) of Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas and Children’s Mercy recently celebrated four decades of friendship, adventure and hope for children with kidney disease.

For 40 years, NKF’s Camp Chimer has given children with kidney disease something every child deserves: the chance to enjoy summer camp safely, build friendships and feel understood. With medical support from Children's Mercy, campers ages 9 to 18 who are on dialysis or have received a kidney transplant can take part in activities like swimming, laser tag, crafts, a dance and team-building while receiving the care they need.

This year, Camp Chimer marked its 40th anniversary July 31-Aug. 2, at a camp and retreat center in Kansas City. The anniversary celebrations included special activities recognizing the camp's history, alumni, volunteers, donors and the families whose lives have been touched by the program. 

“I can swim now since I have had my transplant. However, my first summer at camp I was on dialysis and couldn’t swim at home because it can cause complications. At camp, I was able to swim and just have a good time.” — Second-year camper

"It can be nerve-wracking sending your child to away camp, especially a child with kidney disease. However, the team at Camp Chimer not only makes sure he’s having fun, but staying healthy too.” — Camper’s mom

"As I celebrate my first summer at Camp Chimer, I am inspired by the joy, resilience and courage of these incredible campers and their families,” said Dr. Marc Hurlbert, CEO of the National Kidney Foundation. “Forty years of Camp Chimer represents four decades of changing lives, creating lifelong memories, and reminding children with kidney disease that they are never alone. We are proud to honor Dr. Warady and everyone who has helped make this extraordinary legacy possible and look forward to building on it for generations to come."

Founded in 1986 by Brad Warady, MD, Director of Dialysis and the McLaughlin Family Endowed Chair in Nephrology, the camp was created so children in kidney failure, on dialysis or post kidney transplant could experience the joy and independence of summer camp. A team of staff from Children’s Mercy including physicians, nurses, APPs, child life, social work, pharmacy, language services and a host of volunteers are there to meet the needs of the kids and to make it the best possible experience for those that attend. Camp Chimer is offered at no cost to participating families thanks to the generosity of donors, sponsors and volunteers who make this life-changing experience possible.

Learn more at Kidney.org/CampChimer.