Camp for kids with prosthetic limbs underway at Bay Cliff

BIG BAY — “Yes, you can go swimming!” “Yes, you can ride a bike!” “Yes, you can play baseball!”

Phrases like these are what prosthetists at Wright & Filippis found themselves constantly repeating to their young prosthetic patients. Looking for a way to further encourage patients to try new activities, Wright & Filippis developed a summer camp where kids with artificial limbs are taught that “YesICan” DO ANYTHING!

Aug. 19-25 marks the third year for Camp YesICan. This week-long camp aims to build courageous, confident and self-sufficient children to lead productive lives through traditional camping experiences. Amputees, ages 4-17, are encouraged to attend and given the opportunity to learn things like playing golf, trying a martial art, sharpening a pencil, and swinging on a swing.

“Our young patients needed the reassurance that after they lost their limb, they could still do any sport or activity they used to do,” said Wright & Filippis prosthetist, Lynn VanWelsenaers. “I found many other patients throughout the state who had the same concerns and wanted a place where they could all work together to accomplish their goals.”

Camp YesICan is held at Bay Cliff Health Camp, which is located on 170 acres of land along Lake Superior near Big Bay, in Marquette County. Through an intensive program of daily therapy and traditional camp activities, children learn to become more independent and are inspired to believe in themselves and their potential.

Director of Prosthetics of Wright & Filippis, Ken Woodward, explains, “Each child who attends Camp YesICan will learn that with their prosthesis, there truly are no limits. They will learn how to use their prosthesis more fully, try activities and sports they may not have had the opportunity to learn, and practice activities with which they had a hard time. This year, we’re planning to have about 30 kids attend. Our goal is to make a difference in each and every one of their lives.”

Sponsored by the Bay Cliff Health Camp, the Filippis Foundation, and the Wright & Filippis prosthetic department, this week-long experience will give children an environment where they learn to believe that “Yes I Can” DO ANYTHING!

Wright & Filippis is a Michigan-based healthcare company, specializing in prosthetics, orthotics, respiratory services, and home medical equipment. Founded in 1944, Wright & Filippis is the state’s largest home healthcare provider.