Dr. Paul Dell has always had a special place in his heart for children with congenital hand differences. In 2000, Dr. Dell heard about a special camp for children with congenital hand anomalies called Hands Down Camp from his colleagues Drs. Mary Beth Izaki and Peter Carter at Scottish Rite Children's Hospital in Dallas. Two hand therapists from SHANDS Rehab, Ruthie Dell and Ginger Stirna, attended the camp in Morgan, Texas and were inspired to bring the idea home. The experience gave them an example and a goal by which they began to establish the University of Florida/SHANDS Congenital Hand Camp. What began as an annual camp has grown into an network of families, friends and medical providers.
Today, Hands to Love is a Florida 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to bringing together children with congenital hand differences and their families to create a safe haven in which these families can try new activities, share experiences and develop a support network. Hands to Love is the only organization of its kind in the Southeastern United States and serves families and children across the nation.
Click here to watach a short film to learn first hand what Hand Camp is all about!
