Registration for Heart Camp has closed, please email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.  For more information about Heart Camp visit https://www.zebra-crossings.org/congenital-heart-defect-programs/.

WE ARE ZEBRA CROSSINGS

 

 

Creating a community where children with chronic health conditions as well as their families feel supported, safe to explore and thrive.

EMPOWER

Our core values of play, independence, achievement, wellness and community are interwoven throughout every program. Participants are encouraged to try new experiences and empowered to approach life with greater confidence.

CONNECT

Current programs are inclusive of different medical diagnosis groups such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, JRA, heart conditions, hemophilia, severe allergies, skin conditions and autoimmune disorders. In a supportive and safe peer environment, participants build lasting friendships which helps them feel included, connected, and understood.

CARE

 Our programs are supported by qualified medical staff who care for the needs of our participants and provide respite for caregivers. Zebra Crossings is a fun, safe place to be and where kids just get to be kids.

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GET INVOLVED

GIVE

With the support of generous donors, we are able to keep our program fees at a reduced rate as many of our families face high out-of-pocket medical expenses. Help us maintain this practice by learning how your donation can support and empower a child.

VOLUNTEER

Get involved and experience the satisfaction of seeing young people discover their inner strength and gain confidence. As a nonprofit organization we depend on the dedication and commitment of our program and medical volunteers. Together we make a difference!

“Zebra Crossings has been such a blessing to our family. Zebra Crossings is the one place we feel confident that Shane is receiving adequate supervision to recognize a seizure and the staff is competent in administering his medicine. It allows Shane to feel like a normal kid but also gives us some respite time.”

“Zebra Crossings’ staff and programs have impacted Chloe and our whole family. Through the programs Chloe has been able to hang out with other kids and feel ‘normal’ rather than ‘different.'”

“This is such a great experience for children with asthma. Being surrounded by kids in the same situation takes away the shyness and hesitation in learning more about what ‘having asthma’ means. For my child, he came home owning it rather than it owning him.”

Why Zebra Crossings?

A Zebra Crossing is a British term for a crosswalk marked with broad white stripes. It is a place where pedestrians have the right of way to safely cross. A zebra’s black and white  stripes come in different patterns unique to each individual. A common belief is that the stripes serve as camouflage. A herd of zebras standing close together may appear as one and as more powerful.

For children who live with chronic health conditions, it is similar. Each child is unique but they also have a lot in common and can relate to each other because of their conditions. On their own, they often stand out in their communities because of their perceived limitations or needs. However, in our community, we find strength in numbers and feel empowered.

“Zebra Crossings is a fun place where you can go and feel safe because they understand how you feel. You get to express yourself and experience all kinds of things and nothing holds you back.”

- Luke, age 10

“Zebra Crossings has given my children a power they never would have learned to unleash. Here, they feel accepted, encouraged and understood. They are taught that what they believe to be their inadequacies, can really be the fire that burns inside of them and makes them a stronger, more courageous, and joyous person. Truly, Zebra Crossings has changed our lives for the better.”

- Thaia Katsos

“I am not sure there are many places where there are such kind, caring people.  It is also a place where others have chronic illnesses, some the same as yours.  It makes it a lot of fun to just talk and relate to someone that you can’t necessarily do at school.”

- Teen participant

“Before camp my son was embarrassed to go to the nurse. He wouldn’t take meds before gym, and then tried to hide his asthma symptoms and chest/lung pain.” Since camp, my son has been willing to take albuterol before gym class, has been more confident and willing to participate in groups with active outdoor activities.”

- Asthma Camp Parent

“It is an amazing experience to not feel alone in the world. To meet and share some wonderful kid stories has given me and my family so much hope for the future”

- Family Camp Parent

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The efforts of Zebra Crossings are supported by our generous sponsors, both individual and business. Want to join the ranks?

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