Nov 09, 2022
The Michelle McGann Fund Announces Campership Grant To Camp Stix
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 Stix, a residential overnight camp designed for children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The camp scholarships (a/k/a “Camperships”) covered 100% of the cost for six children to attend Camp STIX during the 2022 summer session.
“Camp STIX and the STIX Diabetes Programs are doing incredible work to give campers with type 1 diabetes the experience of a lifetime,” said Michelle McGann, Founder of The Michelle McGann Fund. “We are pleased to be partnering with them to ensure 6 campers have a summer they will never forget while supporting Camp STIX’s mission to enhance the lives of those affected by diabetes through programs that empower, educate, uplift, and promote community.”
Located in Deer Park, Washington, Camp STIX is part of the STIX Diabetes Programs which was founded more than two decades ago and had its beginnings as a small family camp. Today, the camp hosts campers age 6-19 through various programs, including Camp STIX which serves those ages 9-16. Campers get to take part in a variety of activities including sports and games, arts and crafts, canoeing, swimming, and much more. Campers also receive optimum diabetes care from local physicians and other health care providers including physician assistants, nurses, diabetes educators, and dietitians. Camp STIX is a week-long residential program 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 Camp STIX is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, the camp does permit non-diabetic siblings to attend when there is excess capacity, though demand in recent years has been so strong that this has not been an option.
The financial costs of camp can be a large burden for families, as evidenced by the 50% of campers at Camp STIX 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 dozens of campers and their families in 2022.
“Thank you so much for donating…Camp STIX is a place where I can spend time and bond with others who are going through the same thing as me. Before I heard about Camp STIX, I had a hard time finding the motivation to take care of myself. Once I went to Camp STIX for the first time, it became like a second home where I knew that I was never alone, ” commented camper Anai R.
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.