Herman’s heart leads her to Texas diabetes camp
‘Inspired to support’ nephew with JD in Dallas
A family member diagnosed with Type I Diabetes spurred Farragut Lions Club member and nurse Janet Herman to find a way to help, which led to a long-standing commitment to a residential diabetes camp in Texas.
After learning a nephew who lived in Dallas, Texas, had been diagnosed with the disease — perhaps better known as Juvenille Diabetes, as it is typically discovered in children and teens — Herman said she “inquired how to support him and to better understand” what he was going through.
“Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong chronic condition,” Herman said. “While diabetes is controllable, good control requires a tremendous amount of education, self-discipline and support.”
The nephew had attended Texas Lions Camp, a residential diabetes camping program in Kerrville, Texas, and through that opening Herman also was invited to attend as a volunteer with the camp’s medical staff.
She has spent two weeks every year over the last eight summers as one of 50 members of the medical staff who care for 240 campers for each session and currently is there for her ninth year, having left July 27.
“(This) camp is designed to introduce the ‘Can Do’ philosophy (to) over 1,500 children” every summer, shared Herman, who described it as “the largest residential diabetes camping program in the United States.”
It is located on more than 500 acres and has operated since 1949 as a non-profit facility for children with serious medical conditions. All campers attend without charge and all are sponsored by Texas Lions Clubs.
“Texas Lions Camp provides a physically safe environment that fosters fun, independence and self-confidence,” Herman said. “It expands children’s knowledge of diabetes through age-appropriate activities, medical staff, adult role models and peer interactions.
“(Campers) make friends who understand what it’s like living with diabetes, creating experiences that last a lifetime.”
The camp operates under Dr. Stephen Ponder, a board-certified pediatric endocrinologist who has had more than 50 years of experience as a Type I diabetic himself. He has volunteered at the camp for 36 years and has served as medical director since 1989.
“Campers are heroes of (my) heart,” Herman said.
“(I am) inspired by watching kids control diabetes, and not letting diabetes control them as they gain confidence on how to check their own blood sugars, give their own injections, change an insulin pump site or (learn) how to treat highs or lows better,” she added.
“They are resilient, hopeful, and empower themselves to live full abundant lives. Everyone there is part of a team and (I) feel humbled and privileged to be a part of it.”
