Bothell grandmother shares story of hope at Camp Korey luncheon

Bothell resident Deana Harris shared a passionate message of hope in front of an audience of over 270 community leaders on April 28 in Seattle at Camp Korey's annual Prescription Laughter Luncheon. Deana and her husband Mark Harris are the custodial grandparents of Ayden, age 11, who was born with Achondroplasia dwarfism. Deana often refers to Camp Korey as the miracle in their own backyard.

May 3, 2016 9:30 am
Deanna Harris
Deanna Harris

Bothell resident Deana Harris shared a passionate message of hope in front of an audience of over 270 community leaders on April 28 in Seattle at Camp Korey’s annual Prescription Laughter Luncheon. Deana and her husband Mark Harris are the custodial grandparents of Ayden, age 11, who was born with Achondroplasia dwarfism. Deana often refers to Camp Korey as the miracle in their own backyard.

Camp Korey is the only SeriousFun Camp in the Pacific Northwest, hosting life changing programs throughout the year for children living with serious medical conditions.

Deana first learned about Camp Korey from the Little People of America Facebook page during the first year Camp Korey started serving children with skeletal dysplasia five years ago, when Ayden was just 6. The impact was immediate during his first year.

“Confidence! Confidence in meeting new people and trying new experiences. Ayden has been comfortably been exposed to so many new people and activities at camp. This has made it an easy transition to his everyday life,” Deana said.

The Harris family have also attended Camp Korey’s Family Weekends, a chance for the entire family to come out for a weekend of respite and camp adventures.

“Family Camp Weekend was a game changer for us,” Deana said. “As much as we appreciate the respite of Ayden’s week at camp, it was the family weekend that made all the difference. Family camp gave us the opportunity as caregivers to tap into a network of support and friends who live the same daily life that we do. As a result of family camp we ended up with a mentor for Ayden. We developed strong relationships and found kindred spirits. Our journeys are all a bit different but our hearts carry similar burdens. We are better caregivers now because of the support we gained as a result of family camp.”

Since 2009, Prescription Laughter Luncheon (PLL) has raised more than $1,000,000 for Camp Korey programs and this year raised an additional $289,117 at the luncheon event in Seattle and the March luncheon in Bellevue thanks to the generosity of the community. The events were hosted by retired News Anchor Dan Lewis, a Camp Korey Board Member with special co-host Camper Andre Moseley, and featured additional key note speakers including camper Meggy Charney, 17 of Mercer Island and Karissa Mobilia, sister to Korey Rose, the namesake of the camp (Seattle luncheon).

“At camp kids are kids first and foremost, and their medical conditions take a back seat to all the adventures and fun they are going to have,” said CEO Hillary Carey. “At Camp Korey our campers experience freedom – freedom from doctor’s appointments, from hospital stays, from worry or judgement. The freedom to just be a kid. We give them the chance to laugh until their bellies ache, dance until they are dizzy and meet a friend who wholeheartedly understands them. We are excited for our 2016 summer camp season, and to fill our camp with joy, adventure and resilience.”

Prescription Laughter Luncheon was generously sponsored through numerous corporate partners, including gold sponsors Don and Julie James and Elliot Bay Cabinets Co.; silver sponsors Clorox, Coca-Cola, Crider Foods, Essential Baking Company, Rexton, and Trident Seafoods; and bronze sponsors Bernafon, Holland America Line, Key Bank, Perkins Coie LLP and ReSound. Camp Korey invites community members interested in learning more to visit campkorey.org.