Nov 21, 2022
The Michelle McGann Fund Announces Campership Grant To Camp Freedom
The Michelle McGann Fund, a 501c3 charitable organization supporting children and families affected by a type 1 diabetes diagnosis, proudly announced today a “Campership Grant” to Camp Freedom, a camp offering day and residential programs designed exclusively for insulin-dependent children diagnosed with diabetes. The camp scholarships (a/k/a “Camperships”) covered 100% of the cost for 30 children to attend Camp Freedom during the 2022 summer session.
Camp Freedom, which was established in 2011, is a program run by the South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association (STJDA). Held in strategically placed locations across the Rio Grande Valley, the camp hosts children ages 6-18 through a variety of programs including a 1-week residential overnight camp and several themed 1-week day camps such as a robotics camp and a nature camp. Campers get to take part in a variety of activities depending on which camp they attend, including sports and games, dance, arts and crafts, swimming, medical education, STEM activities and much more. Campers receive care from health care professionals who are joined by educators and volunteers who are trained in diabetes care, all under the guidance of a pediatric endocrinologist.
“The South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association have successfully run the Camp Freedom program for more than a decade,” said Michelle McGann, Founder of The Michelle McGann Fund. “It’s a testament to their commitment to providing an unforgettable summer experience for the children they support – and they are doing a phenomenal job. We are thrilled to be able to support them by providing camperships to 30 campers!”
The financial costs of camp can be a large burden for families, as evidenced by the 50% of campers at Camp Freedom that apply for financial aid. The Michelle McGann Fund helped to alleviate the financial stress for 30 campers and their families in 2022.
“I like Camp Freedom because it allows me to learn how to control my sugar, and it also allows me to interact with kids with the same condition, ” commented camper Camila A. “Something I learned at camp was that you are not alone.”
Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition. In this condition, the pancreas makes little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone the body uses to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. Different factors, such as genetics and some viruses, may cause type 1 diabetes. Although type 1 diabetes usually appears during childhood or adolescence, it can develop in adults too. Even after a lot of research, type 1 diabetes has no cure. Treatment is directed toward managing the amount of sugar in the blood using insulin, diet, and lifestyle to prevent complications.
McGann, is an 8-time winner on the LPGA Tour and one of the most recognized faces in women’s sports. Since being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 13, Michelle has been a and a staunch advocate for diabetes research and education. She founded The Michelle McGann Fund to promote awareness, education, and support for children (and their families) facing a new diabetes diagnosis.
About The Michelle McGann Fund
The Michelle McGann Fund’s mission and purpose is to empower families with the support and education they need to ensure a health today and tomorrow for their child with type 1 diabetes. The organization was founded by professional golfer Michelle McGann, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at thirteen years old. Having dealt with the struggles of managing an active lifestyle alongside diabetes, she created the Michelle McGann Fund to help others who were facing similar struggles. The Fund uses generous donations and grants to assist healthcare programs, facilities, and individuals dealing with type 1 diabetes. The Fund directly provides current and future support for children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes via education and grants. For more information please visit https://themichellemcgannfund.com.