Meet Adrienne Damicis--
Camp Meridian Camper

    Stronghearts sponsored two campers complete with supplies to attend Camp Meridian over Columbus Day Weekend in the fall of 2007.  This is a special camp for children with heart disease located in New Hampshire.   Camp Meridian's mission is to provide a challenging adventure of self-discovery through a series of unique, fun-filled, guided activities allowing the children to realize their own untapped potential. Many of the children come from Maine and other New England states to attend. 

    Adrienne Damicis (12) was one of those campers.  Her parents estimate that she has attended the last 4 years.  Adrienne's father, Jim Damicis, states that Adrienne applied to go to the camp and was selected to attend.  All those who are selected attend free of charge thanks to donors such as Stronghearts. Adrienne has a congenital heart condition that required three open heart surgeries and may require a fourth.  She also has a prosthetic foot.  Talking with Adrienne you are much more aware of her vitality and joy than of her challenges.  True to the mission of Camp Meridian, she has reached beyond her medical diagnosis.

    Adrienne says, "Camp Meridian is great.  It was cool meeting people that are similar." Adrienne's days were filled with ropes courses, solving mysteries together, doing a cat walk, climbing a giant ladder, going on hikes and taking on group challenges--like building a car together.  She loved singing around the campfire.  Adrienne described a cozy home-like environment by the water with beautiful facilities and wonderful counselors.  The only part Adrienne did not like, was finding herself too old to return next year.  She hopes Camp Meridian will start a Junior Counselor program.  We have a feeling that as a Junior Counselor, she would be very much like the wonderful counselors she has enjoyed at Camp Meridian over the years.   Following are photos of Adrienne at play throughout the year.

Adrienne is on the right.

Adrienne with her friends at Camp Meridian. 
Adrienne is in the striped shirt.

© Stronghearts 2008