The Rotary Club of The Entrance was able through a “Dick Smith Compassionate Grant” in addition to the funds provided by the club to enable a family from Tasmania with a disabled child to attend an SMS Camp at Camp Breakaway, San Remo, for families with children with Smith Magenis Syndrome.
Camp Breakaway’s SMS (Smith-Magenis Syndrome) Camps enhance the lives of children with SMS and their families by holding a four-day respite camp every two years. These camps enable families to socialize with other families who also have a child with SMS.
Because they were unable to afford the travel and camp costs, the Rotary Club of The Entrance organized the grant to cover the cost of the Airfares and the Camp costs at Camp Breakaway.
Smith-Magenis syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects many parts of the body. The major features of this condition include mild to moderate intellectual disability, delayed speech and language skills, distinctive facial features, sleep disturbances, and behavioral problems.
Disrupted sleep patterns are characteristic of Smith-Magenis syndrome, typically beginning early in life. Affected people may be very sleepy during the day, but they have trouble falling asleep at night and awaken several times during the night and early morning.
People with Smith-Magenis syndrome typically have affection
ate, engaging personalities, but most also have behavioral problems. These include frequent temper tantrums and outbursts, aggression, anxiety, impulsiveness, and difficulty paying attention. Self-injury, including biting, hitting, head banging, and skin picking, is very common. Repetitive self-hugging is a behavioral trait that may be unique to Smith-Magenis syndrome. Some people with this condition also compulsively lick their and flip pages of books and magazines (a behavior known as “lick and flip”).
During the Camp, President Gordon was able to attend and meet the family.