North Texas non-profit camp for kids with diabetes looking for donations to help bridge the gap

When 17-year-old Tristan Suplis starts his day, he’s already crunching numbers in his head before he even steps into the classroom.

“10 carbs,” Tristan calculates, inputting the figure into his insulin pump. “Diabetics have to be selective about where they allocate their carbs.”

Suplis was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by the pancreas producing insufficient or no insulin, a hormone vital for utilizing sugar (glucose) for energy.

“I understood it, but I didn’t fully grasp the extent of the changes that would occur in my life,” Suplis reflected. Monitoring carbohydrates, sugar levels, insulin doses, and physical activity has become part of his daily routine. “The stakes are pretty high. It’s as close to life and death as you can get.”

Tristan began attending Camp Sweeney in Gainesville, Texas, a camp designed for children with or affected by type 1 diabetes.

“Attending Sweeney really helped me learn how to live with diabetes without feeling constrained by it,” Suplis shared, noting that the camp offers not just enjoyment but also education.

“These kids carry constant burdens. That’s what makes them so remarkable and resilient,” remarked Camp Sweeney Camp Director Dr. Ernie Fernandez, who has been involved with the camp for four decades. “It’s why I’ve been doing this for 40 years.”

Fernandez explained that the non-profit camp relies on donations, which have been more challenging to secure this year due to economic strains on supporting households.

Throughout its 75-year history, Camp Sweeney has hosted over 35,000 campers from various parts of the world at its North Texas facility.

“About half of the kids who come to Sweeney receive ‘camperships’,” Fernandez noted. “We depend on the generosity of many individuals in this community.”

“Camp Sweeney has been a godsend,” expressed Tristan’s mother, Lisa Suplis, her eyes welling up with tears. “It’s an incredible camp where he can escape during the summer, be a child, and have fun.”

Tristan Suplis credits Camp Sweeney with providing him with a supportive network extending beyond the three-week summer camp, boosting his self-assurance.

“Overcoming such a significant hurdle has made everything else seem much more manageable,” Suplis remarked.

Recently, Tristan delivered a TEDx Talk to Frisco Youth. To learn more about being a camper, fundraising events, and donating to Camp Sweeney, visit their website.