December 3, 2024
After being diagnosed with Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD) about two years ago, 14-year-old Jayden Hurt and his family were referred to Clovernook Center for wrap-around services during a routine exam at Cincinnati Children’s.
“I was worried about him starting high school and not having what he needs to help him,” said Hurt’s mom, Britiney Holbrook. “That’s when Clovernook stepped in and said ‘we’re here for this.’ They taught us and explained the extra help they would give Jayden.”
Although the family travels for routine care, Hurt lives over two hours away in Hazel Green, Kentucky. As a result, it’s not easy for him to attend regular Youth Adaptive Sports & Leisure events. But that didn’t stop Hurt from attending Camp Abilities on Miami University’s campus in June.
Camp Abilities was Hurt’s first Clovernook Center outing and first sleepaway program, and he loved every bit of it. The week’s highlights included playing Goalball with Paralympian Anthony Ferraro and enjoying meals with his new friends in the dining hall. Hurt said there wasn’t a single activity he felt like he missed out on, and he can’t wait to be back next summer.
Holbrook said their family’s experience with Clovernook Center has been nothing short of amazing. Although she was worried about Jayden’s visual impairment affecting his freshman year of high school, he’s getting acclimated, thanks to the services provided by Clovernook Center.
“We make sure we get there because this is something he needs,” Britiney said. “Him understanding what he’s going through and that other people are there to support him and help him go through it is the biggest goal.”
Hurt is already looking forward to Camp Abilities in 2025. His favorite sport is archery, but he also loves golf — he inspired our Adaptive Sports Golf Extravaganza at TopGolf in October.
To learn more about Clovernook Center’s youth summer programming options, stay tuned for a 2025 Summer Camp Interest Form in the coming weeks.
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