Camp Sunshine was a learning experience for parents Jet Dowie and Kristy Trotman and a chance to make lasting memories with their four-year-old son who suffers from the extremely rare blood condition.

"The camp was incredible, and left us with an invaluable amount of knowledge of DBA and truly was the best week of our lives," Ms Trotman said.

"Noah was in his element throughout the camp and bought spark and joy to the families as he does to us.

"We got to listen to nine different doctors and specialists who dedicate their time into DBA, including a haematologist, transplant doctor, iron doctor, geneticist and biochemist. It was reassuring to see such incredible and passionate minds are working full time trying to find better treatments, transplant outcomes and even potential cures.

"Four doctors looked over Noah and we got to seek one-on-one advice from them. We now have some further testings to do and we have these contacts for future reference."

Camp Sunshine is a week-long conference held every two years in Lake Sebago, Maine. World DBA specialists come together with patients and families to discuss the latest research, look at what doctors are currently working on and give sufferers a chance to meet others going through similar journeys.

From July 7 - 12 the Warrnambool family listened and learned and were able to work out their plans B and C for Noah.

"We now have future plans mapped out for different scenarios and we were able to talk to people who had been through each scenario which is a real comfort," Ms Trotman said.

"Many families at camp said the advice learnt from the camp in previous years literally saved their child's lives."

The Dowies were able to enjoy some quality family time either side of Camp Sunshine which included a day at Disneyland.

The trip was made possible by the generous donations from the community in recent football games. Every goal kicked in the WDFNL's round nine 'Goals for Goals' reached a total of $3708.10 while Port Fairy and North Warrnambool Eagles football netball clubs also raised over $2000 for the family after collecting money during their round seven Hampden league match.

A string of community events also contributed to helping the family travel to America. Two Kings Burgers donated a day's takings, Baker's Delight held a Hot Cross Bun fundraiser, Port Fairy's Bridgid Madden raised money through running her first half marathon and 10-year-old Lola McCarthy made and sold scrunchies in Spotlight and shaved her head to raise more than $6000 for the Dowies get to Camp Sunshine.

"We want to thank everyone including all local businesses who helped make this happen for us," Ms Trotman said.

"We are so grateful and it has truly changed our lives to have been able to gain the extra knowledge, seek advice and access the connections we now have.

"We do not know what awaits for us but we feel much more prepared for whatever comes and are so grateful to have had this opportunity."

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