Meet Mercedes

Mercedes, 15, lives in Gibraltar, a small island located off the southern coast of Spain. The third of six children, she is fluent in both English and Spanish and her hobbies include playing goalie in netball and soccer.

Since early childhood Mercedes has been suffering from asthma attacks aggravated by severe allergies, making it often difficult for her to breathe. However, she looks forward to her time at Camp Simcha Special, where she has spent the past two summers.

“I really enjoy Camp Simcha Special, there is no other place in the world like it,” says Mercedes. “During the year I spend more time in the hospital than I do at school due to my difficulties in breathing. So having the opportunity to come to camp and being able to engage in activities like any normal teenager would and also having easy access to medical care on campus are things that I’m really grateful for.”

Updated December 2019.