Meet the Brake Family
When Virginia, Ophelia, Susan, and Beau Brake arrived at Roundup River Ranch, they stepped into something a little new and uncertain. Virginia had recently been diagnosed with Celiac Disease, and like many families navigating medical journeys, life had become filled with new information and a sense of vigilance. When the Brake family first learned about camp, it almost sounded too good to be true.
“It said free, and I thought, ‘what’?” Virginia’s mom, Susan shared. “But then I realized Virginia could meet other kids with Celiac, and everything would be taken care of. That felt incredible.”
From the first day, they felt the difference.
“I love this camp,” Virginia said. “I feel safe here and I don’t have to worry about what I’m eating.”
For the first time, she wasn’t the only kid navigating food restrictions. She was used to meeting adults with Celiac, but here she was able to meet other kids her age with similar experiences. The initial sense of uncertainty the Brake family felt quickly gave way to laughter and adventure at programs like the Challenge Course, the Carnival, and the Variety Show.
“The Zip Line was scary at first,” Virginia said. “But then it wasn’t. I could just let go.”
For Susan and Beau, camp offered a sense of relief so they could really enjoy the various activities.
“You can finally take a sigh of relief and just enjoy spending time together,” Susan shared. “There are trusted adults who are just playing, laughing, and letting kids be kids. More kids, and honestly more adults, need that.”
Coming to camp as a family created cherished moments that the Brakes will never forget. They were able to do things they haven’t done at home and embrace the much-needed joy of participating in camp together.
