Soccer Mom

 It's official. I'm a soccer mom. At least for this week. We have signed Toe up for a week of soccer camp - three hours a day, five days in one week. Because of Toe's CF we had some concerns. We had to make sure that if another child there had CF, he/she was not placed on Toe's team. Toe has a tendency to overheat and dehydration and loss of sodium are two things that are critical issues for people with CF. He also must be given enzymes if he is fed a snack....

I think about those parents who sign their kids up and just show up, drop them off, and leave. So different from our experience. I have to call ahead and clear Toe's attendance, briefly explain cystic fibrosis, describe my concerns, fill out more detailed medical forms including doctors and insurance numbers, identify ourselves at the actual day camp... the list goes on. Everyone has been incredibly understanding and willing to accommodate Toe's needs.

We also try to make it as easy as possible. Either J or I plan to stay at each day camp to feed Toe his enzymes when they have snack, to make sure he gets hydrated, and to watch for overheating. The counselors are great, but each one is responsible for about 8 kids. I can't expect in the course of a week for them to be able to recognize how Toe looks when he overheats.

 Fortunately we live on the coast, so hot weather is unusual. Day one was overcast and 65. Today was still under 70 and sunny. Somewhere in hour two, the kids came in for a drink break and Toe had the telltale signs: flushed cheeks, sweat, slightly glazed eyes. I made him drink and pulled him into the shade with me until he cooled down, then sent him back onto the field for the last twenty minutes of the day. At that point I realized that it would be a good idea for me to continue to be there just to make sure.

The time and energy we put into it as CF parents is completely worth it. Exercise is very important for CF patients as it helps build strong muscles and healthy lungs. And running is supposed to be the best.

The camp is well run - great camp counselors, age appropriate games and drills, a flexible and fun attitude. Today was mismatch/tye-dye day (thus the backwards shirt on the counselor below). Tomorrow is water day. Standing water can also be problematic for kids with CF. We'll see how it goes. I expect to be pretty flexible and shower him afterwards. At least it will keep him cool.

Toe's joy as he plays is palpable.