Welcome To Children's Harbor

WARNING: A CHILD'S BREATH IS SUGAR SWEET
BY: TOMMIE RUTH BLACKWELL

If your child’s morning breath smells like Juicy Fruit, you might think she went to bed with a mouthful of chewing gum. When she is irritable and cranky, you might think she just had a bad day at school. When she drinks more liquids than usual, you might think she has been over exerting herself. But, when you notice that same child using the bathroom excessively and you’re trained as a nurse, you think again.
You see a pattern, and it isn’t good.

Melissa Hamby worked for a Home Health Agency until a patient bit her, infecting her with staph and causing her to develop multiple health problems. The experience required her to retire permanently as a professional nurse, yet that background just might have saved the life of her child, McKenzie. As an observant mother with medical training, Melissa did not like the combination of symptoms she noticed sixyear- old McKenzie experiencing. When she checked her daughter’s blood sugar, she was astonished. It registered 942 (normal is 90-140)—dangerously high and indicative of diabetes. (More)

Serving Seriously Ill Children and their Families

Ben and Luanne Russell began dreaming of building a place for children and families on Lake Martin in 1987. The dream became a reality in 1990 with the dedication ceremonies of Children's Harbor, a not-for-profit organization. The entire program was officially dedicated to the memory of Ben's mother, Adelia M. Russell.

From the beginning the mission was simple: strengthening children and families

At our Lake Martin campus, we provide camping and adventure services to children with long-term serious illnesses and their families.

At our Family Center in Birmingham, we provide counseling, social work, education, and support services to these children and their families.

Children's Harbor Family Center in Birmingham, AL

Children's Harbor, Inc.
1 Our Children's Highway
Children's Harbor, AL 35010-8620
Phone: (334) 857-2133
Fax: (334) 857-2516

Children's Harbor Family Center
at Children's Hospital
1600 6th Avenue South, Suite 200
Birmingham, AL 35233-1711
Phone: (205) 939-6123
Fax: (205) 939-6313

Design by: Becky Cleveland