Nine area youth will attend Camp Needlepoint, a week-long, summer outdoor camp on the St. Croix River in Hudson, Wisc., for youngsters with diabetes, thanks to funds raised through Crosby’s Because of Brandon event. Youth ages 9 to 17 from Pequot, Merrifield, Aitkin, Emily, Crosslake, Baxter, Palisade and Tamarack all received scholarships for this summer’s camps and additional applications are outstanding.

Since Because of Brandon was established two years ago, more than $100,000 has been raised to fund youth diabetes camps, patient travel expenses, and educational events. Most of the funds provide scholarships for the camp which lets children have a great time participating in traditional activities while connecting with others with diabetes. Healthcare professionals oversee daily diabetes care and help campers learn to manage and live successfully with their disease.

More than 20,000 youth are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes every year, a life-changing disease that requires 24/7 control for the rest of their lives. Children with diabetes and their families walk a tightrope to keep blood glucose levels not too low and not too high. To do this, they must inject insulin multiple times each day, monitor blood glucose throughout the day and night, treat severe headaches and nausea, and seek emergency help for life-threatening complications.  Camp Needlepoint is designed to facilitate a traditional summer camp experience in a medically-safe environment, while creating opportunities for children to forge life-long relationships, overcome feelings of isolation and gain self-confidence.

“My son, Brandon, was only 13 when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes,” said event Chair Doug Houge. “Despite excellent care and his best efforts, complications arose and Brandon passed away in December 2015 at the age of 27. We miss him every day and still cry over losing him. But, we are determined to help others avoid the same loss. Please help us honor his memory by supporting this fun event.”

The third annual Because of Brandon event is Saturday, July 28, at the Crosby Bar & Grill.  The benefit for Cuyuna Regional Medical Center’s Diabetes Education Department includes a beer and wine tasting, silent auction, barbecue, ATV ride, raffle and street dance.  All proceeds fund youth diabetes camps, patient travel expenses, and educational events. The raffle is for a 2018 Alterra 500 ATV from Brothers Motor Sports ($4,999 value), Ruttger’s weekend with meals and golf ($1,150 value), .22 LR Barracuda gun donated by Magnum Research ($840 value), $150, and $50. Tickets are $10 each and are available at CRMC’s Cuyuna Lakes Pharmacy, the Crosby Bar & Grill, Culver’s in Baxter and numerous other community locations.

For more information, send a message to Peggy.Stebbins@cuyunamed.org or call 218-545-4447. Event updates are available at http://brandon18.gesture.com.

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