Camp Taylor, Inc.

My name is Aarieus, I’m 16yrs old and a Heart Disease Warrior. In October 2023 at 15yrs old, I

found out I was born with a rare heart defect that required Open Heart Surgery. My condition is called

Anomalous Coronary Artery-Right Side. This news devastated myself and my family. Life as I knew it

came to a complete halt. I had been an athlete playing many sports since the age of 4 but with my

condition, my passion for sports came to an abrupt end. At 15yrs old, finding out I had a Congenital

Heart Defect set in pretty hard physically, mentally and emotionally. I was scared!

I was restricted from participating in any and all physical activities in school and at home. I

missed so much school because of countless medical appointments and sometimes I just didn’t feel well.

I couldn’t keep up with my peers nor play with my siblings. This lead to school ending for me at

lunchtime which caused me to secretly slip into a dark place. My family provided as much support a they

could but they were also trying to process my diagnosis. My Open Heart Surgery was scheduled for

January 2024 but due to an unforeseen medical issue it was rescheduled for February 2024. It’s been 8

months since surgery and I’m proud to say, I’m here.

During this journey my Cardiac Support Team suggested I go to Camp Taylor. They said it was a

Camp for kids like me that have Congenital Heart Disease. I as reluctant at first but I was encouraged to

go, so I did. That was the best decision I’ve ever made. When I first arrived at Camp Taylor I didn’t want

to stay but by the end of camp I didn’t want to go home. I met so many amazing people that helped

bring me out of that dark place and see the light. I had finally found a special place with so many

wonderful people that made me feel like I belong, I’m not different, I’m not alone and I matter. I made

friendships that will last a lifetime.

Camp Taylor gave me the support and encouragement I needed to get through while I was still

processing such a big ordeal of having Open Heart Surgery just four months prior. I was able to share my

thoughts, fears and concerns with others that understood my new language. They understood how I felt

and lifted me up. The awesome medical staff at Camp Taylor also further educated me on Heart Disease

and my condition. This is what Camp Taylor did for me!

I’m excited because I have been given the opportunity to be a Mentor at Camp Taylor. One of

my tasks for as a Mentor is to raise $2000 by Thanksgiving. This will help Camp Taylor continue to build,

grow and provide incredible experiences and opportunities to Heart Warriors and their families. It would

be greatly appreciated if you could find it in your HEART to donate to such a worthy and meaningful

cause. Thank You!

My name is Luis. I’m 16 years old. My little brother Leo is 12 years old and he has a heart condition called Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM), which is a condition where the chambers of the heart become stiff over time. Though the heart is able to squeeze well, it's not able to relax between beats normally. This makes it harder for the heart to fill with blood, and the blood backs up in the circulatory system. Throughout our childhood, there was always caution when we would play due to his condition, and there were many times where I was terrified for my brother when I'd see him tired and pale. But thankfully, at the age of 8 years old, my brother received a heart transplant, saving his life, which my family and I are all so grateful for.

Over the summer, my family and I attended Camp Taylor for family camp, and we really enjoyed being there with other families with similar experiences, so my little brother related to other kids in the camp going through similar circumstances. While we were there and the camp was ending, I was asked by my parents and the mentors there if I wanted to go to their teen camp, which I hesitated a bit to decide. I said sure.

That was a great choice of mine to make. When I arrived at teen camp, I was pretty nervous, shy, and kinda didn't want to be there, but over time I really warmed up to it. One of the main reasons I felt better about the place is the people, and this camp allowed me to understand my brother more. I became good friends with my cabin mates, and once I got comfortable with them, everything about that camp was so fun and something I wish to continue going to.

Recently, I was given the chance to become a mentor of the camp, which I am so very excited for! One of my tasks as a mentor is to raise money for the camp by Thanksgiving. This will help Camp Taylor continue to provide new experiences and opportunities to new Heart Warriors and families.

We would be grateful if you could help and donate to our cause!

My name is Kaylie, and I am a high school sophomore. I am raising money to participate in the mentor leadership program and to attend Camp Taylor. I was born with a VSD (a type of congenital heart defect). Camp Taylor is a camp for kids and teens with CHD. Growing up with the families of Camp Taylor made me realize I'm not alone with my condition and that even though I am different, I am still normal. That's why I'm raising money to be a part of the mentor leadership program to help kids just like me.

Hello all. As you may already know, Mason was born with a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) called Tetralogy of Fallot. Mason has had 2 open heart surgeries so far. One at the age of 4 months, and again when he was 7 years old. Our son, Mason; is raising money for a non-profit organization called Camp Taylor. Camp Taylor is a camp for children who have CHD and their families. They give them a place where they feel welcomed and accepted. Camp Taylor provides a safe place where children of many ages can visit, learn more about their condition and talk to other children with similar congenital heart defects.

Camp Taylor has really helped Mason learn more about his heart condition and to be more confident in how to live with it. Camp has helped him come out of his shell, be more confident and make lasting friendships. After years of being a camper, this year will be Mason’s second year as a mentor at Camp Taylor.

Camp Taylor tries its best to raise money in order for children and their families to attend camp for free. To continue to offer this camp for free, we need your help. Mason’s goal is to raise $2,000 for Camp Taylor, so they can continue to do all the wonderful things that they provide to children like him. Every donation counts, no matter how small. We are extremely grateful for your time and for reading this Go Fund Me. We hope you can help positively impact future generations as Camp Taylor has done for us.

Sincerely,

Francis, Bridgette and Mason Baldonado

Hey everyone! My name is Sophie Hart and I was born with Congenital Heart Disease. I discovered a Camp by the name of Camp Taylor a few years ago and it has completely changed my life. Camp Taylor is a camp for children with congenital heart disease, and has been such and amazing community for me. This year, I am becoming part of their mentor-leadership program. Please help me raise money to support Camp Taylor in all they do for kids like me!