Dr. Ferris on Victory Junction

June 17, 2015

Stage Night at Camp!

I would like to thank the thousands of people who make the therapeutic Camp Victory Junction a reality.  Once again I had the incredible fortune of experiencing “Stage Night” at the therapeutic camp Victory Junction. Stage night is at the end of each camp week.  I used to go to kidney camp every summer until I had to “share the wealth” with my partner. In a way I have forgotten the emotions I experience and the joy I feel seeing our patients perform on a stage, with no concerns about their appearance or performance…they were children and adolescents having fun with people like them. Young people who share similar struggles and victories…but tonight, the most important thing for them was to perform like the best of them. Sing, play instruments, dance, do gymnastics or magic, everything was celebrated.

While tonight is the last night before all of them return home to their parents, siblings and reality, this time at Victory Junction will last them (and us) a life time.  Go dear patients! Enjoy what is left of this Kidney Camp week. Save these memories and friendships in a special place that may help you deal with life’s challenges, with renewed strength and new friends who understand your perils and share your victories. In the meantime, I have recharged my batteries! I have re-learned once again why it is that I am a pediatric nephrologist who takes care of little heroes. Resilient young women and men who never cease to amaze us. What an honor to serve young people like you!

Maria Ferris, MD, MPH, PhD
Pediatric Nephrologist
UNC STARx Program Founder