“Hunter’s Story”
This is what truly makes “Dreams Come True Camp For Kids” so special and why we are so passionate about what we do!
Hunter Miracle’s Story:
Hunter was diagnosed with the serious kidney disease (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) when he was five years old. He was immediately started on auto-immune suppression medications in hope of bringing the disease to remission. Two years later, there was no remission. Doctors decided that it would be best to take him off the medication which would allow him to enjoy his childhood. The doctors used medications to control the effects of the decreased kidney function and to maintain Hunter’s health.
About age 13, Hunter started to tire very easily. The doctors advised that FSGS was a “smoldering fire and when it ignited, it would go fast”. Hunter went from Stage 2 to Stage 4 renal failure in about 2 months’ time. He stopped growing. He embarked on new rounds of medications and shots to help control the disease. On November 1, 2009, Hunter caught the H1N1 Virus. Within one month’s time, he needed surgery and began dialysis. He was intensive care for 3 ½ months due to life-threatening blood pressure and double pneumonia in addition to struggling with extreme anemia and bone disease.
Deemed a match, two days before his 14th birthday, Hunter’s father gave him an early birthday present, a new kidney! The transplant went smoothly. Just when they thought their prayers had been answered, doctors discovered that the disease was attacking his new kidney. Doctors performed a procedure called Plasmapheresis. This procedure removes all the blood from the body, separates it, and returns the blood cells with new plasma and albumin. So far it is working!
Even through all of this, Hunter has embraced life. He enjoys all things young boys his age love to do – especially hunting with his dad. But he had a dream – a dream to “Hunt the Big One”.
With the help of so many, Hunter and his dad found their way to “Dreams Come True Camp For Kids” filled with the hope of fulfilling his dream of a Big Game Hunt.
Hunter was flown to Idaho courtesy of Hunt of a Lifetime. Outfitted from head to toe with the best outdoor clothing by Mossy Oak, Hunter arrived for his 4 day big game hunt armed with enthusiasm and the biggest smile you have ever seen. He was provided with not only a 30-06 rifle donated by Savage Arms, but with special ammunition custom loaded just form him by Nozzler Ammunition.
For 4 days Hunter, his dad, and all the volunteers at “Dreams Come True Camp For Kids”, hiked, hunted, talked, and laughed. We learned so much from Hunter. His enthusiasm is infectious. Well, you guessed it – it happened. Hunter bagged the big one. A 7×8 Bull Elk. Just look at that smile!!
After the hunt, it was time for some “Pickin and Grinnin”. Don grabbed his guitar and started pickin’ a tune. We noticed Hunter motioning like he was playing the drums. We learned he loves the drums. So naturally, we put together a make-shift drum set using ordinary camp-kitchen appliances and utensils, the “Pickin and Grinnin” session really began! What a wonderful evening.
Our time with Hunter was priceless. He is such a great kid with a great attitude. But what truly resonated with us, was his gratefulness for life and his thankfulness for the opportunities given to him.
It was truly an honor to meet a young man who has been through so much adversity, but who day in and day out remains an inspiration for others.
We would like to thank everyone who made possible this “Adventure of a Lifetime” for Hunter. With your continued support, sponsorships, generosity and donations, “Dreams Come True Camp For Kids” will continue to introduce the great outdoors to those who have never had the experience.
