I just returned from a trip to Freemont, Nebraska to shoot a story for Hometown Heroes. And, I was so moved by the story... I have to share.

 

Camp Kindle is a non-profit organization that runs a week long camp program (one in California, one in Nebraska) for children living with HIV and AIDS. Some of these children are infected with the virus-- some live with a parent who is infected. And, all live with a secret. But at Camp Kindle they get to spend one week free of judgment and stigmas. They can take their cocktail of pills openly. They can discuss their loves and dreams with counselors and friends. They are finally free. For one week.

 

I met some of the most amazing kids at the camp. Kids like Bryan who speaks at high schools all over the country to help people understand more about HIV and AIDS and how you can (and can’t) get it. Bryan’s story is shocking.  When he was 11 months old his father injected him with a syringe full of HIV infected blood. His father didn’t want to pay child support. He is in jail right now, but will be released in 2011. I also met Alex who suspects her mother’s ex boyfriend infected her when she was a child. She kept her story a secret till now. Camp Kindle has given her the strength to accept her disease and talk to others about it.