Braedon uses a wheelchair and doesn’t enjoy the same life as many other children. But this summer while at Flying Horse Farms, he overcame one of his greatest fears when he was lifted out of his chair and into a canoe to explore the water.
But beautiful as it was, it’s not that moment that amazes me. It’s what happened next. I’ll let his mother’s note share the zinger.
“We were so happy he tried something outside of his wheelchair,” she wrote. “And because of the confidence it gave him, yesterday he tried a rollercoaster for the first time ever!”
Wow.
Remember the impact
This is the time of year that many individuals and corporations give the most. Sure, the tax benefits are wonderful. And don’t get me wrong — we are grateful for every dollar we receive, even if checks are written on an accountant’s advice.
But as you write those checks, please know that the impact of those dollars are truly changing lives.
Don’t take my word for it. Take the words our campers and camper families:
“Camp showed me that I can trust others. That it’s OK to sing loudly and dance silly. That it’s OK to not be OK all the time. That I CAN do anything I set my mind to, and to never let life or my disease stand in my way.”
— Megan, 17
“Every year that (my daughter) goes to camp, I know that the child I dropped off is not the same child I will be picking up. I know I will be picking up a child who has grown in many ways in a short time. I can never thank you guys enough for that.”
— Julie, camper mom
“This past school year, my health limited me so much, I felt like I could not perform any achievements. The Ranger program (camp’s leadership-training program for teens) gave me the special push and confidence to know that I will and can handle anything that is thrown at me.”
— Natalia, 17
Support your passion
I’m not asking you to give to camp — although our chief development officer might not be happy that I’m saying so. I’m asking you to give to whatever cause or mission you are passionate about. Because the difference it makes is real.
While the recipients of your generosity may not be able to express their gratitude directly, trust us — they thank you.
And we thank you, too.
Mimi Dane is the CEO of Flying Horse Farms, a camp for children with serious illnesses. Located in Mt. Gilead, the camp serves hundreds of children each year — free of charge.
