“…he’s a pediatric cardiologist with a big heart of his own.”
Pediatrics
Greater Southern Alameda Area
Dr. Kevin Desai, a pediatric cardiologist at the Hayward/Fremont Medical Centers knows how to mend a child’s heart in more ways than one. Every summer since 2002, he heads for the hills of Northern California to volunteer as medical director for Camp Taylor, a free summer camp he helped organize for children with heart disease and their families.
“These kids can’t go to a regular camp because of their medical needs,” says Dr. Desai, who oversees the 24-hour, on-site medical care that makes camp possible for more than 300 kids and their families each summer.
“Thank to Dr. Desai, these children get to do activities they never dreamed they’d be able to do,” says Mary Warner, RN and camp volunteer. Between the talent shows, horseback riding, swimming and wall climbing, Dr. Desai teaches his heart campers more about their heart disease, shows them how to live heart-healthy, and answers questions they may feel uncomfortable asking in the office or at home.
“It’s a great privilege for me to be involved with these kids and see how they blossom each year at camp,” says Dr. Desai. “They gain confidence, make lifelong friends, and learn they can lead relatively normal, fruitful lives. They leave eager to come back next year, and so do I!”