Nov 02, 2022
The Michelle McGann Fund Announces Campership Grant To Camp Ho Mita Koda
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 Ho Mita Koda, the world’s first and oldest overnight camp experience for children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The camp scholarships (a/k/a “Camperships”) covered 100% of the cost for twelve children to attend Camp Ho Mita Koda during the 2022 summer session.
“Camp Ho Mita Koda has been around for nearly 100 years, and they really pioneered the concept of a camp tailored to campers with type 1 diabetes,” said Michelle McGann, Founder of The Michelle McGann Fund. “We are honored to be able to partner with them and ensure 12 campers experience the summer of a lifetime while supporting Camp Ho Mita Koda’s critical mission to ‘help children living with type 1 diabetes grow in mind, body, and spirit through an outdoor camping experience that strengthens their confidence and creates a community of peers’.”
Located in Newbury Township, Ohio, Camp Ho Mita Koda was founded in 1929 by Dr. Henry John and his wife Betty. Today, campers age 5-17 get to take part in a variety of activities including hiking, rock climbing, archery, swimming, fishing, paddle boarding, arts and crafts, mountain biking, tomahawk throwing, and much more. The camp prides itself on being recognized as a national leader in delivering high-quality, successful and inspirational outdoor, environmental and educational programming. Camp Ho Mita Koda runs in week-long sessions and offers a campers with type 1 diabetes, who might otherwise not be able to go to camp due to the complexity of diabetes management, a memorable summer camp experience. While almost every camper at Ho Mita Koda is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, the camp does permit non-diabetic siblings to attend as well in an effort to further education and strengthen support systems.
The financial costs of camp can be a large burden for families, as evidenced by the more than 50% of campers at Ho Mita Koda that apply for financial aid. The Michelle McGann Fund, along with other generous grants received by the camp, helped to alleviate the financial stress for more than 60 campers and their families in 2022.
“Thank you for letting me do all that fun stuff and [for] the campership. I enjoyed it. Camp Ho Mita Koda is the best camp ever,” commented camper Adriel D.
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.