Lucy Goes to the Arctic!
Donation protected
For the past six years, I have spent my summers on canoe adventure trips with YMCA Camp Widjiwagan (http://www.ymcatwincities.org/camps/camp_widjiwagan/) . I started with a six-day trip through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and this past summer went on a 28-day advanced explorer trip through Canada's majestic Crownlands. The Widji journey ends with a six-week Voyageur trip above the Arctic circle!
During the past six summers, I've done and seen things I never thought possible. From finding out that my 12-year-old body could carry a 90-pound wood canvas canoe for more than a couple of feet to finding out that my 16-year-old body could carry one for a mile through a thick forest. I've gained more strength, emotionally and physically, than I ever even imagined. I have gained a great appreciation for the raw, natural wilderness that we travel through. From being a canoe length away from a moose to shooting whitewater through a dynamited tunnel, I really feel like I have done it all—almost all. Adventure has been coursing through my veins since my parents dropped me off in the summer of 2009. And a Voyageur trip has been in the back of my mind during the whole journey.
However, this past October, that dream was threatened. On October 13th, I was diagnosed with type one diabetes. This has been quite a life adjustment coupled with new medical expenses for my family. The biggest heartbreak, however, was the fact that Camp Widjiwagan had never allowed type ones on trail -- an understandable restriction. Most diabetics, on the other hand, are not diagnosed at age 17. This fact, as well as my commitment and positive experiences with camp, made the staff reconsider this restriction, and I just received news that I can go on a Voyageur trip and complete my lifelong dream.
The incredible experience I get to have this summer does not come free. In fact, with transportation and gear, it will be close to $10,000. It would mean the world to me if you would help me achieve my dream and donate a couple dollars!
Thank you,
Lucy
During the past six summers, I've done and seen things I never thought possible. From finding out that my 12-year-old body could carry a 90-pound wood canvas canoe for more than a couple of feet to finding out that my 16-year-old body could carry one for a mile through a thick forest. I've gained more strength, emotionally and physically, than I ever even imagined. I have gained a great appreciation for the raw, natural wilderness that we travel through. From being a canoe length away from a moose to shooting whitewater through a dynamited tunnel, I really feel like I have done it all—almost all. Adventure has been coursing through my veins since my parents dropped me off in the summer of 2009. And a Voyageur trip has been in the back of my mind during the whole journey.
However, this past October, that dream was threatened. On October 13th, I was diagnosed with type one diabetes. This has been quite a life adjustment coupled with new medical expenses for my family. The biggest heartbreak, however, was the fact that Camp Widjiwagan had never allowed type ones on trail -- an understandable restriction. Most diabetics, on the other hand, are not diagnosed at age 17. This fact, as well as my commitment and positive experiences with camp, made the staff reconsider this restriction, and I just received news that I can go on a Voyageur trip and complete my lifelong dream.
The incredible experience I get to have this summer does not come free. In fact, with transportation and gear, it will be close to $10,000. It would mean the world to me if you would help me achieve my dream and donate a couple dollars!
Thank you,
Lucy
Organizer
Lucy Woolson
Organizer
Madison, WI
