About Us

The Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, advocated the philosophy that patients in good spirits healed faster.

What can place a child in better spirits than attending a summer camp?

We provide a residential camping experience specifically designed for children who have undergone a heart, lung or heart-lung transplant, or diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension. Affording them a safe haven where parents can be at ease knowing their children are surrounded by a dedicated team of caring and loving volunteer medical staff. But most important, the children are with others who are enduring similar challenges and shared experiences, with complex medication schedules and who may tire easily.

Dragonfly Heart Camp was incorporated December 31, 2007 in the state of Maryland. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. Campers attend free of charge, with funding provided through donations, grants and fund raising events. The Board of Directors provides the direction and oversight needed to ensure the continued growth and success of the camp and its mission, while maintaining fiduciary oversight.

Our Story

The idea for Dragonfly Heart Camp was a result of Sarah Cataldo's year-long ordeal battling cardiomyopathy and ultimately receiving a heart transplant, at the age of eight. The immensity of the pediatric cardiac disease "epidemic" is staggering, along with the myriad of problems and related medical issues facing the patients and their families. The opportunities for these brave children to function in the "normal" world can be severely limited, especially due to immune system limitations, medications, and medical apparatus. We decided to start a summer camp for these children where, under constant medical supervision, they could enjoy the camp experience with children who share their medical histories.

For more information, contact:
Rhonda Cataldo, Director

Phone: 443-480-9578

Address:
Dragonfly Heart Camp
P.O. Box 454
Chestertown, MD 21620

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Dr. Hanna wearing a PH camper's Remodulin pump around his head so she is able to swim.

Child Psychologists & Child Life Specialists attend camp to help campers get used to being away from home.

Sarah Cataldo holding a fish caught while on a boat outing on the Chesapeake Bay.