Heart to Heart: Kate

This is my series of interviews with adults and teens living with cardiac issues – mostly congenital heart defects. You are invited to learn more about the individual behind the obnoxiously long Latin medical term and perhaps you will decide to reach out – to an organization that benefits those of us living with CHD, to an individual you were previously too shy to talk with, to a community now that you realize you are not alone, or perhaps to me if you are someone living with CHD and would like to be interviewed.

Question: Can you tell us your name, age, occupation and the type of congenital heart defect you were born with.

Kate: I'm Kate. I'm seventeen and I'm a cashier at a crappy Chinese restaurant. I'm also a senior in high school and I hope that I'll end up being a writer, lawyer, or some other productive member of society. I was born with Aortic Stenosis.

Question: How many surgeries have you had, if any, and what did they accomplish? How old were you when you had these surgeries?

Kate: I've had...4 surgeries. I think. I'm pretty sure I've had four. I'm having another next summer. My first surgery was when I was 3 days old, my second was when I was three months old, and then I had another when I was three. I had a minor surgery somewhere in there...I'm not sure how old I was. My first surgery was my valve replacement. My aortic valve was replaced with my pulmonary valve and then I had donor pulmonary valve put in to the original pulmonary position. In doctor terms I had the "Ross Procedure." I've stuck it out and had that same valve since I was three days old. Any surgeries I've had since then have merely been to repair my donor valve because it's stretching pretty thin. My next surgery is when I get my new valve. I'm planning on naming my new valve something witty. I'll get back to you on the name.

Question: What were your parents like when you were younger living with CHD versus their current attitude? Were/are they overprotective; did they restrict you in any way?

Kate: I've always been treated like a normal child. My parents let me run, play, and do sports. I was a bold child so I think that even if my parents had been strict, I wouldn't have listened to them. I probably would've done my own thing. My only restrictions now are that I can't smoke pot or get a tattoo but I'm pretty sure that'd be the same if I didn't have a heart problem.

Question: How did your health issues affect your school life and your social life, as a kid and teen?

Kate: I always thought my scar was something to brag about. I would make up crazy to stories to tell the other kids on the playground. I'd say things like "I got attacked by a shark," "I got attacked by a pirate," and my personal favorite "That's where my twin was." Like every child I had it implanted in my mind that I was a miracle child. I was God's gift to mankind. As a teenager no one really says anything about my scar. People do the awkward avert their eyes thing when I'm at the beach or they don't notice. When people do stare I like to pretend that they're staring at my super fabulous body. Haha. I'm kidding. Erm. I used my heart problem as an excuse to get out of p.e. and sit down while the other kids were running and being active. I didn't really need to sit out. I'm just lazy.

Question: How did your heart health affect the relationship with your siblings (if you have any)?

Kate: I have two older brothers who grew up with me. My half sister is from my dad's second marriage and she's eight years younger than I am so she hasn't really experienced any of my health problems. My older brother Andrew always saw my heart as a reason to take care of me. Andrew tried to protect me from the world and he was my everything. With joint custody, my one constant was Andrew. He always made sure I was okay and still treats me like an infant to this day. Alex is the middle child of our family. He is protective of me but shows it in a completely different way. He doesn't treat me like a fragile doll like Andrew does. But he's protective enough to never let anyone else treat me like he does. I'm still the baby.

Question: Has your health limited you in ways you cannot control/alter?

Kate: I can do anything, regardless of my heart. I'm pretty physically active and I'm honestly too stubborn to let my heart hinder me in any way. I've climbed mountains, swam long distances, you name it.

Question: What has been the most annoying aspect of having a CHD?

Kate: There isn't really an annoying part of CHD. I'm okay and I've never been hindered by it.

Question: You were able to attend a camp designed specifically for kids living with cardiac problems. How has this camp helped and influenced you?

Kate: This camp has taught me to be thankful. I'm not on medications and I don't have health restrictions like many of the kids do. I'm fine and I like that. Camp is so fun. It's given me the chance to have the stereotypical summer camp experience that every kid dreams of.





Question: When facing serious health issues, how do you keep from stressing out or dwelling? Do you have a strong support system?

Kate: My family is always there for me when it comes to my health. My dad goes to every check up with me and I can remember my mom camping by my bedside when I was in the hospital. I know that when I have my next heart surgery I'll be perfectly okay because not only do I have an awesome doctor, but I have an incredible family as well.

Question: To date, what has been the most frightening moment in regards to your health?

Kate: My scariest health moment wasn't a near-death experience. It was when I was four and I was in the hospital. I woke up for anethesia to find myself alone in the hospital room. The nurse had apparently had a long day because when I asked her where my parents were she said my dad was getting coffee and my mom was at Mcdonald's. As a child of vegetarians who don't drink coffee (in fact they hate it) I knew she was lying and called her on it. She simply adjusted my drugs so I passed back out. Now my mom says that she left my side after having been there for days while I was too doped out to know that she was there. Apparently my dad was on Kate duty and he had run somewhere to get food. Regardless, thinking I was all alone was extremely scary at the time.

Question: What are your hobbies and passions? What kind of future do you want for yourself?

Kate: I love to write. I love it. Writing makes me feel like I'm centered. I have a blog that I basically obsess over and cram all my thoughts into it. I love feelings young and going on adventures. I love seeing new things. I guess I'm passionate about living. How cliche. The kind of future I want for myself isn't some cookie-cutter life. I want to be happy but I don't need to be married, wealthy, or regularly employed to feel this way. I want to lead a fluid life where I can do things that make me happy and move on when they don't anymore. I want to see the world when I'm older and I hope I find a career that allows me to do that. I want kids but...I don't need to be married to have them. Everything will work itself out. My future looks pretty bright.

Question: How has living with CHD affected your view on life?

Kate: CHD has made me feel like I can handle anything. I know I can battle through whatever challenges face me. I get that life is short and you need to focus on what makes you happy. I guess CHD has taught me that all the stupid cliches on bumper stickers and dentist's office posters are true. Or most of them at least.

Question: Do you consider yourself "different" from your peers due to your experiences living with a congenital heart defect?

Kate: I feel more enlightened than my peers. I'm over the trivial high school experiences and I get the bigger picture. Having been close to death allows me to look to the future and see just how much I have to live for. I know that I'm going to be okay because after having CHD, I know I can handle the harsher side of life.

Kate and I have been acquainted since she was all but thirteen years old and I was her camp counselor. She recently graduated camp and I am looking forward to her progression into the role of counselor so that we can then volunteer side by side! xoxo, Kate! Thanks for sharing your story.

Heart to Heart: Alex

This is my series of interviews with adults and teens living with cardiac issues – mostly congenital heart defects. You are invited to learn more about the individual behind the obnoxiously long Latin medical term and perhaps you will decide to reach out – to an organization that benefits those of us living with CHD, to an individual you were previously too shy to talk with, to a community now that you realize you are not alone, or perhaps to me if you are someone living with CHD and would like to be interviewed.

Question: Can you tell us your name, age, occupation (if you're unemployed just say the occupation you're seeking and if you're a student, say student) and the type of congenital heart defect you were born with.

My name is Alexandra Marie Miller but I go by Alex. I’m 19 years old and I’m a sophomore in college. I was born with a single ventricle, pulmonary stenosis, and transposition of the great vessels.

Question: How many surgeries have you had, if any, and what did they accomplish? How old were you when you had these surgeries?

Alex: I’ve had ten heart surgeries.
1) Blalock-Taussig Shunt, 3 months old. Shunted my blood so it was more oxygenated to tide me over until I was big enough for open heart surgery.
2) Modified Fontan Procedure, 3 years old. Open heart surgery to reroute my circulation so that the blood coming into my veins went straight to my lungs, via a negative pressure system. The blood coming into my left atrium and ventricle was fully oxygenated and could be pumped to my body.
3) Ablation, 13 years old. Tried to correct arrhythmias by burning faulty electrical passages in the heart.
4) Ablation, 13 years old. Attempt #2.
5) Ablation, 14 years old. During this ablation I went in to 3rd degree heart block, causing the need for surgery number:
6) Pacemaker Implantation, 14 years old. Pacemaker was implanted to save my life, less than 24 hours after I went into heart block.
7) Pacemaker Lead Placement, 14 years old. They couldn’t finish everything the first time they were in there, and had the pacemaker attached to my atria but not to my ventricle. Several days later they tried again and still did not attach it.
8 ) Pacemaker Lead Placement, 15 years old. They tried again the next summer for the ventricular lead and succeeded.
9) Pacemaker Lead Placement, 17 years old. I started getting electrical shocks through the left side of my torso during fall of my senior year, and we discovered that this was because one of the pacemaker leads had come undone and was leaking electricity into my body. In October of senior year I had a lead replacement.
10) Pacemaker Lead Placement, 17 years old. Somehow I managed to wiggle that lead loose in less than 2 months, so I had another lead replacement in December of senior year.

Question: What were you parents like when you were a kid living with CHD versus their current attitude? Were/are they overprotective; did they restrict you in any way?

Alex: My parents, in general, treated me as they would have any child. We didn’t avoid talking about my heart; it just wasn’t always the focus. I did things- I played soccer, did ballet, rode my bike, made friends, went to school-just like everyone else. I know and always have known my limits as far as physical activity and endurance go, and my parents have trusted me to make those decisions since I was little. They’ve always let me be a part of decisions about my body, and have given me more and more responsibility over that area as I’ve gotten older.


Question: How did your health issues affect your school life and your social life, as a kid and teen?

Alex: Like I said, I have limited endurance. I couldn’t always do everything the neighborhood kids could, and I couldn’t always participate in gym class. I was teased a lot about walking in gym class in high school when everyone else had to run laps-by that point in my life though, I was mature enough not to let it bother me. The only time I ever really had troubles with being made fun of for scars or for my heart defect was in middle school. Middle school boys are brutal—one kid told me I was mean because I only have half of a heart. A lot of people ask me about my scars, but I don’t mind that. I just tell them. My close friends know all about my heart and my meds, and to them all of that is just part of me. They love me as I am, and accept my heart as part of what makes me me.

Question: How did your heart health affect the relationship with your siblings (if you have any)?

Alex: It didn’t really and still doesn’t affect my relationship with my two younger brothers. They like visiting me in the hospital (free food and fun beds to move up and down). We roughhoused and played like any normal siblings.

Question: Has your health limited you in ways you cannot control/alter? (ex: not being able to go for a particular occupation in life, travel extensively, climb a mountain, etc.)

Alex: I can’t be a welder, or an MRI technician. Or anything else having to do directly with magnets, because of my pacemaker (but that’s quite alright with me). I can’t scuba dive, go in hot tubs, or spend a lot of time in high altitude. My endurance is quite limited, but I played soccer until I was 12 and played in the marching band in high school.
I’ve traveled a lot in the United States, and to Mexico and Honduras several times, and spent 2 months in Honduras my junior year in high school. We have to prepare- find a cardiologist in the area, make sure there’s a place to go if something happens, but I can really do anything I put my mind to. I plan to study abroad next year.





Question: When facing serious health issues, how do you keep from stressing out or dwelling? Do you have a strong support system?

Alex: Sounds cliché, but faith, family and friends get me through.
My family is awesome. We’re very silly, but they are the only people in the world who really understand how to act when I’m in the hospital. My mom and I make hospital visits into chick flick marathons, and a good reason to have dad and the boys bring us food from our favorite places. Sure, spending time in the hospital is yucky, but we’re so used to it that it’s really not a big deal – just Alex spending a couple nights in the hospital. My family deals with me well- when I’m sad they let me cry, but they know when to make me laugh too. I couldn’t ask for a closer, more supportive family.

When I’m stuck in the hospital, it always amazes me how much people care. Family friends, friends from school, people I hardly even know—I get phone calls, emails, and visits from people. My close friends visit me in the hospital and bring me treats, and even just their company is welcomed. My heart isn’t just a big deal when I’m in the hospital, and the people who care about me most understand how to help me in everyday situations when I’m having trouble.

I grew up in church, but my faith really blossomed in 8th grade when I started having more heart problems. No matter how much I love my friends and family, and no matter how much they support me and I depend on them; there’s no way I would have made it to today without God. Having a CHD has truly made me believe in the power of prayer. My church family prays for me regularly, especially when something is going on. They are always the first people to ask how I’m doing and if there’s any progress, and keep me on their prayer lists. Even on my bad days, when I’m discouraged and feeling like the future looks pretty dim, I quickly remember how blessed I am to live where and when I do, with the medical technology of the 21st century and a wonderful group of people surrounding me and loving me. My God and the people who have prayed for me for 19 years are the ones who have gotten me through.

Question: To date, what has been the most frightening moment in regards to your health?

Alex: The first time I had a bad arrhythmia was the first time I was ever really terrified about my health, and I’ll choose it as the worst because it’s certainly the most memorable. I was thirteen, and was rushed to the ER and put into the crash room; which was the room that has everything you would ever need for any emergency, and that was really scary. Just being that young and being in the hospital is scary, let alone with my heart going crazy and me having no idea what was going to happen. There have been plenty of scary heart moments in my life, but a lot of them have been scarier for my parents because they’ve been during surgery (I’ve come out alive every time so far though!).

Question: What are your hobbies and passions? What are your aspirations for your future?

Alex: I love the Spanish language. Spanish is my major- I don’t know what I want to do yet, though. I’m really interested in non-profit organizations and helping people. Also, I have a passion for telling people about congenital heart disease and fundraising to fight it. My dad works for a non-profit that provides free heart surgeries to kids in third world countries, and I can’t wait to go on a trip with him to a Spanish speaking country so I can talk to the kids about their hearts! Besides that, I’m an avid reader, I’m pretty creative and I like to do crafty things, I love being outside and taking walks, and spending time with my friends and family. I recently joined a sorority on my campus, too, so that should be exciting!
As far as my future with my heart health- we have no idea what will happen. As of now we don’t know how many more or what kinds of surgeries I’ll need, or how long I’ll live. At this point, people with hearts like mine are strongly discouraged against becoming pregnant, for my own health and for the babies. But I believe that technology could change in the next ten years, and maybe, one day, I’ll be able to have a baby of my own. If not, I think adoption is one of the most admirable things a person can do, so I’d be okay with that option too.

Question: Having heart issues is what is known as an "invisible disability" Have you had any instances when people just didn't get it and gave you attitude because they couldn't "see" your heart issues?

Alex: Absolutely: teachers, friends, complete strangers—I’ve gotten skeptical looks and comments from many people. I’ve always missed a lot of school with being in the hospital so much, and some teachers are really understanding about it, and others cut me zero slack. Luckily, my mom and I are both strong when it comes to standing up for me, so I usually get those teachers to comply and let me make things up at a reasonable pace. Gym teachers always had to have doctors proof for me not to have to run. I wore a monitor for a few months in middle school, and I had to wear it on my gym uniform, and almost got in trouble for having an iPod until I explained what it was. Sometimes when I have complications or an especially ridiculous amount of maladies at once, people think I’m faking, because what human could possibly have that many things wrong with them? Well, I could. That’s the most frustrating, because on top of dealing with being sick, I have to defend myself because people think I’m faking.

Question: What has been the toughest part about living with heart health issues?

Alex: Constant, constant, problems, for the last six years. It started in 7th grade, and now I’m a sophomore in college- it hasn’t stopped. One problem gets solved, another appears. I make a record – a whole year without spending a night in the hospital- and then I have a mini stroke. It’s just always something, and sometimes a break would be nice. Don’t get me wrong, I love my life, I have a blast, and my health could be so much worse. I’m very blessed.

Question: Do you consider yourself "different" from your peers due to your experiences living with a congenital heart defect?

Alex: Absolutely. Having a CHD made me mature in many ways, at a much younger age than many kids. Social and physical maturity came with time, just as my peers, but I have always been very strong emotionally. My faith has always been solid, because that’s what I’ve always clung to when there’s nothing else to comfort me; because when it really comes down to it, God is the difference between healthy and unhealthy, not doctors. I’ve always had to worry about more/different things than my peers, which made me mature and more adult-like. There isn’t much that scares me in a hospital, and I’m on more medications than my grandparents. In some ways, I’m mature beyond my years. In others, I’m still growing up alongside my friends. Overall, having a CHD has made a very strong person who knows how to stand up for herself. That’s what I think I’ve benefited from most.

Thank you so much for participating in my series of interviews, Alex!

Heart to Heart: Meg

This is my series of interviews with adults and teens living with cardiac issues – mostly congenital heart defects. You are invited to learn more about the individual behind the obnoxiously long Latin medical term and perhaps you will decide to reach out – to an organization that benefits those of us living with CHD, to an individual you were previously too shy to talk with, to a community now that you realize you are not alone, or perhaps to me if you are someone living with CHD and would like to be interviewed.

Question: Can you tell us your name, age, occupation and the type of congenital heart defect you were born with.

Megan: Megan Gilmartin, 17, I'd like to be a cardiovascular surgeon, and I was born with a clef in my mitral valve, and a hole in my upper and lower chambers.

Question: How many surgeries have you had, if any, and what did they accomplish? How old were you when you had these surgeries?

Megan: I have had 2 surgeries, and they replaced my mitral valve with an artificial one and closed up the holes in the upper and lower chambers. I was 18 months when i had my first surgery, and 2 years old when i had my second.

Question: What were your parents like when you were younger living with CHD versus their current attitude? Were/are they overprotective; did they restrict you in any way?

Megan: My parents weren't too protective of me when I was younger living with CHD. They wanted me to live a normal life like kids my age. If someone started to cradle me they would take a different approach on things so that the person would see that I was a strong individual.


Question: How did your health issues affect your school life and your social life, as a kid and teen?

Megan: My health issues didn't affect my school or social life as a kid or a teen. If anything it has given me something to talk about with people. Most people don't see my scar because it's so faint now, so when I say something about it they are really surprised and they want to know more about it and what happened.

Question: Has your health limited you in ways you cannot control/alter?

Megan: I was lucky enough that my heart has not limited me in any way. I run on my high school's cross country team and am very active with hiking and backpacking.




Question: What has been the most annoying aspect of having a CHD?

Megan: the most annoying aspect of having CHD for me has to be the medication that I have to take, followed by the blood tests I have to take to make sure I'm on the right dosage of meds.

Question: You were able to attend a camp designed specifically for kids living with cardiac problems. How has this camp helped and influenced you?

Megan: This camp has given me so much confidence and strength in life. At this camp I have learned that I'm not the only person out there with CHD, and that I really got off lucky. I could be someone who has a heart defect that holds me back from doing a lot of stuff or that needs 40+ pills a day. This camp has also taught me a lot of life skills like how to be a leader and how to interact with different people.

Question: When facing serious health issues, how do you keep from stressing out or dwelling? Do you have a strong support system?

Megan: When faced with serious health issues it is very hard for me not to stress out. I stress very easily so I usually go straight to my friends. My friends from camp help me get through health scares and so much more. They understand what I'm going through and are very supportive and I don't think I could make it through anything without them.

Question: To date, what has been the most frightening moment in regards to your health?

Megan: To date the most frightening moment in regards to my health was when I needed my surgeries. I haven't really had any health scares.


Question: What are your hobbies and passions? What kind of future do you want for yourself? (Career, etc)

Megan: A few of my hobbies and passions are running, singing and hiking. When I'm older I would like to be a successful cardiovascular surgeon. I'd like to help people like me.


Question: How has living with CHD affected your view on life?

Megan: Living with CHD has really given me a positive outlook on life. It has shown me that even if you're different, it's okay to be happy. And that you really want to live life without regrets or grudges because you only live once and you want to make your life the best that it can be.

Question: Do you consider yourself "different" from your peers due to your experiences living with a congenital heart defect?

Megan: I do consider myself different, but in a good way. I consider myself lucky. I have been able to experience different things in life, like camp, that I wouldn't have been able to if I never had a congenital heart defect. I would have never been able to meet the people I did or learn the things that I have. So yea I'm different... but hey, I kinda like it :]

If you would like to share your story or nominate someone to be interviewed for a Heart to Heart, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Heart to Heart: Daria

I am beginning a new series of interviews with adults and teens living with cardiac issues - mostly congenital heart defects. You are invited to learn more about the individual behind the obnoxiously long Latin medical term and perhaps you will decide to reach out - to an organization that benefits those of us living with CHD, to an individual you were previously too shy to talk with, to a community now that you realize you are not alone, or perhaps to me if you are someone living with CHD and would like to be interviewed. Don't be shy, we're all in this together.

Question: Can you tell us your name, age, occupation and the type of congenital heart defect you were born with.

ANSWER: Daria Stancikas. 17. Full time student. My defect is Corrected L-Transposition with Pulmonary Stenosis. (meaning: ventricles backwards, and closing off of the pulmonary artery) I also had a VSD at birth but with my heart CATH at three years of age we found that the VSD had closed small enough on its own.

Question: How many surgeries have you had, if any, and what did they accomplish? How old were you when you had these surgeries?

ANSWER: I have been asymptomatic since birth. I've been lucky enough to get this far without any surgery's.

Question: What were you parents like when you were a kid living with CHD versus their current attitude? Were/are they overprotective; did they restrict you in any way?

ANSWER: My parents kept me very unsocial and protected my first three years of life so I could stay healthy and not get sick. But now there more free.

Question: How did your health issues affect your school life and your social life, as a kid and teen?

ANSWER: I was always embarrassed when I would have to wear a 24hour Holter monitor, but I have been really blessed and not limited in activities.

Question: Has your health limited you in ways you cannot control/alter? (ex: not being able to go for a particular occupation in life, travel extensively, climb a mountain, etc.)

ANSWER: No, this is where I'm super blessed and have no limitations. My parents and doctor call me a "walking miracle"

Question: What was one of the most obnoxious questions you've been asked or assumptions you've faced in regards to your heart health?

ANSWER: I always get asked "Are things harder for you?" and "Does that mean your going to die sooner?" and sometimes after explaining the whole thing people say that it is cool. haha

Question: How is life with your health easier and more difficult as an adult than it was when you were a kid?

ANSWER: Actually, when I was younger it was easier for me because I wasn't as alert to what is going on in my heart. Now its more difficult because I understand how scary and real it really is now.

Dar ~ my heart camper turned friend!

Question: When facing serious health issues, how do you keep from stressing out or dwelling? Do you have a strong support system?

ANSWER: Sometimes if I'm really sick I get worried about how it could effect me, but for the most part My system is well and I usually fight off a cough or cold or flu whenever it comes around.

Question: To date, what has been the most frightening moment in regards to your health?

ANSWER: My most frightening moment was when my doctor was talking about surgery and was almost ready to do it. Thankfully they didn't do the surgery. Also, I remember very little of my last heart catheter, because I was 8, but what I do remember was definitely scary.

Question: What was your attitude about your heart health like when you were a kid, and then as a teen?

ANSWER: When I was a kid, my attitude was really no big deal. Like I didn't care that I had this defect. Now that I'm older and understand, I do feel scared at times and worry. Sometimes in sports I feel like maybe if I didn't have this defect I could be better. But God has a purpose for me and wanted me to have this defect, and of everyone in my family, I'm glad I got landed with it instead of one of them.

Question: What are your hobbies and passions?

ANSWER: I love being with friends and going where ever we want. (beach, movies, sleepovers) I also play water polo and swim.

Question: Having heart issues is what is known as an "invisible disability" Have you had any instances when people just didn't get it and gave you attitude because they couldn't "see" your heart issues?

ANSWER: Not really, Sometimes people think its a joke when I say it. But after explaining the whole thing and showing my Medic Alert bracelet they believe me.

Question: What has been the toughest part about living with heart health issues?

ANSWER: The hardest part for me is just when I think about the future and how this will effect me later, will I need a surgery? Will I not live as long of a life now? Just stuff like that; that worries me.

Question: Many people do not realize there is humor even in the oddest of moments. I know I tell stories that are funny to me but kind of horrifying to anyone who has never known a single person with health issues. Do you have any funny CHD/health moments you can share?

ANSWER: Although i don't remember this, my mom says when I went into one of my heart catheter's at age 3, I was telling everyone "knock knock jokes". Also when I was younger and had my regular heart check up my mom told me the EKG was stickers because the leads stick to you & the electrocardiogram was called "the lollipop on my chest" because it was sticky gel they used to move the transducer.

Question: You have been one of the fortunate heart kids who have grown up with friends who also share the CHD commonality. How has these friendships helped you, and what makes them different (if at all) from your friendships with people w/out CHD?

ANSWER: I met Megan my second year at CDC (Camp del Corazon) and we have been friends for 6 years now. we always try to find time to hangout and I feel like she understands me and I understand here since we both have heart problems. I love knowing that I'm not the only one who has to deal with this. It's different talking to her about it other then my friends without CHD because they get confused when I tell them what I have and it feels like they don't understand it as much as someone with a heart problem would.

Thank you, Dar, for sharing your story with us!

If you would like to share your story or nominate someone to be interviewed for a Heart to Heart, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Background: I first met Dar when she was a fourteen year old camper at Camp del Corazon, a non-profit I volunteer with. Dar and her group of friends quickly became "my" kids, a group I look forward to seeing each year. Daria graduated camp last summer and I am eagerly anticipating her return in a few years - only this time as a counselor!

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