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Angelica's Story

By: KKTV 11 News
Updated: Fri 8:05 AM, Jul 11, 2003

A special 10-year-old is finally getting to do something most kids do---go to summer camp. But Angelica Tafoya's disorder makes everything a challenge.

She suffers from Epidermolysis Bullosa. It's a painful and crippling skin disorder that keeps this gentle fitth grader from doing the things most kids get to do.

The disorder causes Angelica's skin to tear at the slightest touch. Her aunt Yvonne explains, "What Type Collagen Seven does for us, is it acts as a glue that holds our skin to our flesh. And Angelica's missing that important protein."

Angelica's wounds must always be bandaged to protect her from constant infections. The condition contracts the skin of the hands and feet---robbing its victims of the ability to walk or write. "The first thing that people think, is that she's been burned," says Yvonne.

But none of that is on angelica's mind. Right now, she's thinking about adventure. On Friday, Angelica leaves for summer camp in Minnesota. It's the first time she'll ever be away from home in her entire life.

Camp Discovery is run by the American Academy of Dermatology, and it's especially for kids like Angelica.

Angelica is a young lady of few words. But she already knows what she wants to do first: "I'm going swimming," she says. "I like swimming and I never went swimming."

Angelica will go to the week-long camp with her aunt. The hope is she will be able to go alone next year.

  • The Tafoya family is trying to raise money for a wheelchair lift to help Angelica be more mobile. The cost is estimated at $20,000.

    If you'd like to help, you can send cash donations to:

    Any ENT Federal Credit Union
    C/O Angelica Tafoya Fund

    Click here for more information about Epidermolysis Bullosa


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