As a pediatric physical therapist, Brett Fischer loves helping kids with disabilities achieve milestones. He loves building relationships with their families, and he has become “Uncle Brett” to countless kids. But earlier in his career, he started observing the exhaustion and overwhelm of parents who were caring for a child with disabilities. After learning that the mother of one of his patients died by suicide, he knew there needed to be a community that could provide hope to these families.

Brett and his wife Paige began gathering friends and connections to meet in the Fischer’s garage to discuss opportunities. They planned for a camp experience that would include not just a child with disabilities, but their whole family. And not just that family, but groups of families who could surround and support these “Victory families.” The result of these garage gatherings was Victory Lane.

Victory Lane celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2023, and Brett points out that many of those original families are still involved today.

“The successful impact of this organization truly is the legacy of families that have grown up delivering camps and supporting each other over the years,” he noted.

Victory Lane began as a one-time summer camp session and is now a year-round experience that includes a variety of events and multiple summer camp sessions. Many families have built relationships through Victory Lane that go far beyond activities within the organization.

Natasha Hamilton and her family have experienced these relationships, and Natasha now serves as Victory Lane’s Fundraising Assistant.

“I still remember the moment that my family stepped out of our comfort zone and attended our first Victory Lane camp as a Victory Family. I am forever grateful for an organization that has helped our family in so many ways.”

While Brett appreciates the camp experience, it’s the connections and memories that happen after camp that stick with him.

“My absolute favorite thing about Victory Lane is having a parent weeks and months after camp contact me and tell me that their child started quoting something from camp, and it still brings the joy and memory up to the family,” he relayed.

Natasha shares that the Women’s Refresh weekend that gathers the women connected with Victory Lane is one of her favorite aspects of the organization. She also enjoys working in the fundraising role to raise support while building community within Victory Lane.

Natasha and Brett are looking forward to 2023 and honoring the history and future of Victory Lane, along with the countless people who have made it possible.

“This organization couldn’t survive to serve another day without the committed families giving of their time and money to make connections happen,” Brett expressed. “It is a huge blessing to see families doing life together. God has been and forever will be faithful.”

Experiencing Victory Lane both as a Victory Parent and a staff member, Natasha appreciates the entire Victory Lane community.

“Living within the Victory Lane community gives people hope. They know there is a community that wants to help, love, and serve, the entire family,” Natasha noted.

Become part of continuing this mission of connecting families by supporting Victory Lane. Find out more at victorylanecamp.org.