My 15 year-old son, Jared, and our entire family, has endured a great deal over the past few years. Even though Jared has been incredibly understanding in light of our family’s challenges, I could not find the words to tell him we couldn’t afford to send him to YMCA Camp. It wasn’t about denying him a material possession. Jared would take that in stride. I’d be depriving him of an experience he looked forward to all year—one that was enriching, character-building and filled with adventure.

I never imagined being in this position. My husband was a successful title industry executive, and I was a stay-at-home-mom. Our world changed so quickly. While my daughter has long suffered from severe epileptic seizures, we learned to adapt and manage them as best we could. However we weren’t prepared for my husband’s health problems: four heart surgeries and other ongoing issues. What’s more, my daughter was hospitalized over the summer for her epilepsy, and Jared’s grandfather was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

I share this with you neither for sympathy or pity. I know my family isn’t alone in our struggles. Although our lives have been turned upside down—from wanting for nothing to having nothing—no income, significant medical bills and enough debt to cause the foreclosure of our home, we are blessed to have each other.

Every time we didn’t know where to turn, our faith provided for us—like when Jared received a scholarship to the Y’s Surf Camp. Knowing that he would have two weeks to be a teenager—to escape his daily life spent nurturing and taking care of others—was a tremendous gift. He returned to us relaxed, energized and confident. His inner peace came from inspirational leaders and supportive friends.

I’m incredibly grateful to people like you for making ‘camperships’ possible for 2,000 kids last summer, including Jared. You can continue to change the lives of local children by supporting this year’s Kids to Camp campaign. Please consider making a gift this year. On behalf of kids like my son - who will thrive if given the same opportunity - I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Warm regards,
Janine - Jared’s Mom