When he was diagnosed with diabetes at only six years old, it was very confusing and hard to accept.
Sometimes he would think that it was a punishment, but today he wants to ensure that no diabetic child should ever go through the same experience.
That is why Ernest Groenewald (26), in partnership with Diabetes South Africa in Nelson Mandela Bay, will be hosting a camp for children between the ages of six and 16, living with diabetes.
Camp Diabetable will be held in Hobbiton, Hogsback, from August 13 until August 15, 2021 and is aimed at helping young ones cope with and accept their illness through workshops and activities presented by doctors and other medical staff.
According to Groenewald, the medical professionals attending the camp will also be helping with COVID-19 regulations to ensure that everyone is safe and adheres to the correct protocols.
Parents are also welcome to join their children at the camp.
“As a child, I had always wanted to go to camps but it wasn’t possible since our finances didn’t allow it.
“My mother was also very protective of me because of my illness so I never went to camps.
“When I started dating my partner, who has a house in Hogsback, just before lockdown last year, I saw that it was the perfect place to have a camp. The place where the camp will be held is just down the street and they offer the most exciting activities,” Groenewald explained.
“I have really been wanting to arrange this camp for such a long time but, with COVID, it was just impossible. In March this year I was going through a tough time and my partner encouraged me to start the camp and do something that would make me happy. That was when I contacted Diabetes South Africa in Nelson Mandela Bay and they said yes, let’s do it,” the medical practice administrator said.
According to Groenewald, who has been living with diabetes for twenty years, one of his main reasons for hosting this camp is that as a child, you don’t really know how to deal with being a diabetic.
“There is a need in our society. Schools tend to teach children about HIV and TB, but not always about other illnesses, such as diabetes, which is also a life-changing condition. Children need to know what it is, how it impacts on your life and how to cope with it.”
Groenewald added that those attending the camp would benefit so much from spending time with others that suffer from the same condition.
“It will help the kids to realise that they are not alone and they’ll be able to associate with others.
“I felt very lonely when I was diagnosed and I don’t want any other child to feel that way.
“We would like to educate them on how to go about life normally and that having a co-morbidity should not hold you back in life, but rather inspire you to live life to the fullest but in a responsible manner.
“I would just love them to have an experience with others that are like them and understand what they are going through,” Groenewald said.
According to the national chairperson of Diabetes South Africa, Martin Prinsloo, this is the first camp for children with diabetes in the Eastern Cape since 2005.
“The main goal of this event is to give them an opportunity to meet others living with diabetes, to learn more about controlling their diabetes, have fun, and hopefully make lifelong friendships with others that they can relate to,” Prinsloo said.
For more information regarding the camp or to sponsor a child, Groenewald can be contacted on 076 674 5409.
An e-mail can also be sent to campdiabetable@gmail.com.
