Meg's Story

Donation Recipient: Camp Heartland

Hello you amazing and inspiring people! I have not disappeared or run off with the money! It is donated and here is my experience...

It was an early Friday morning when the door bell rang, and your letter arrived. I had just finished showering and getting ready for the day, after a nice morning workout. I was a bit confused and had no idea what this mysterious letter/package was. When I finally opened the envelope and read the letter, I was overwhelmed and so touched to be trusted with such a cause- and by the unselfish, relentless beauty of it all.

A million ideas passed through my head. Although I believe a donation of any kind and any amount is important- where could this make the most impact?? After three months of hemming and hawing around the subject, talking to friends, co-workers, doing some research, I came to a conclusion.

My life has revolved around health and fitness- from my hobbies to my profession. From the time I could walk I participated in athletics, all the way through college and to this day. What effect has this had on my life, my family and my friends? Playing such a large role in my life- how did this help to form who I am as a person today? A teacher once flattered me by asking, "Meg, what did your parents do to make you who you are?" My answer and the one piece of advice I gave her to pass on to her children was to send them to camp! I spent most of my summer's at 2-3 different camps. All different kinds- environmental, sports, outdoor/adventure camps, etc. I remember begging my parents to send me to lacrosse camp, because I would work hard and it would pay off by the scholarship I was determined to earn for college. Long story made a little shorter- the camps I went to and the teams I played on threw me into diverse, challenging and rewarding situations that taught me how to be an open-minded, hard-working, dedicated, people-loving person.

Now- how can I donate to give a child that life-enriching experience? How about a camp? Somewhere where kids can be kids, make great friendships, build self-esteem, have memories that last a lifetime- and be active! Through some research, I found a camp that stuck out for one obvious reason- it's name "Camp Heartland". This is a camp dedicated to make life better for children impacted by HIV/AIDS. At Camp Heartland, children can participate in a vast array of activities from archery to swimming, to dancing, to drama- while in an environment that is safe and encourages children to talk about life/issues with HIV/AIDS. It reads, and I felt it, that all of these activities together create a path of liberation and hope for these children.

I originally wanted to donate, knowing who the individual would be, and how their life may be affected. However, a $100 donation to Camp Heartland can provide 20 campers with birthday presents and cards, or provide decorations for special themed nights, or enough cameras so one cabin of 8 campers could each have one, etc. This seemed appropriate, as it can strengthen a lifetime of fitness for the body, mind and spirit, for these children who are enduring a childhood much different than my own.

One of the two Camp Heartland's is located in Malibu, CA. I plan on visiting it and seeing what I can do to volunteer or further help.

So- thank you Heart Healthy Foundation for awarding me this opportunity to give and refresh the fitness of my mind and spirit.

In the best of health,
Megan