Dr. Robert Berke will be honored for his many years of advocating and support given to YMCA Camp Onyahsa, at the camp’s fundraising gala, to be held, Nov. 2, , from 5 – 7 p.m., at Darrah Hultquist Dining Hall, located at 5411 E. Lake Road, Dewittville. Berke has been on the frontlines in the fight against Type-1 Diabetes. Submitted photo.

Dr. Robert Berke has been on the forefront of fighting Type 1 diabetes for several years now.

That includes forging a partnership with YMCA Camp Onyahsa to host a youth diabetes camp at no cost to the program participants. Because of Berke’s enduring efforts to combat the childhood illness, he will be honored at Camp Onyahsa fundraiser to be held Nov. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the camp’s restored 1938 Darrah Hultquist Dining Hall, at located 5411 E. Lake Road, Dewittville, along the shores of Chautauqua Lake.

“During this special event, we will honor Dr. Robert Berke for his many and profound efforts to promote YMCA Camp Onyahsa, especially through the Big Fish Triathlon that empowers our Youth with Diabetes Camp, which is offered at no cost to local families. Moreover, he has been a longtime advocate for Onyahsa,” said Camp Onyahsa Director Jon O’Brian. “Our camp is known for its diverse population. We host not only local campers, but participants from around the world. Onyahsa offers a unique and immersive multi-cultural experience for our youth to get to know, befriend, and grow with kids from across the globe and across our county.”

O’Brian, himself, attended Onyahsa on a scholarship as a youth, as did his siblings, and the scholarship program is still essential to the camp’s mission, serving more than 25% of its youth today.

“I came to camp on a scholarship,” he said. “I came and never left.”

The camp director talked about how the Type 1 diabetes camp is specialized and has the appropriate support staff in place to serve the campers.

“The Yowidica program at Onyahsa is a great way for youth who have type-1 diabetes to enjoy traditional camp, with the security of knowing a professional medical team is here to care for their needs,” added O’Brian.