Symphony of Support for the Camps

Our Story
We know that if you are reading these words your heart is one of compassion and generosity. For that we are very thankful; for it is from people like you that we gain hope for the challenges we face.  Thank you.  Heartfelt thanks for taking the time to read our story and to consider donating.  Thank you for your gift.  God has granted us this opportunity to present our needs before you; we have faith that God will use your gifts for His purposes and His glory.

Succinctly, a sudden and unexpected  cessation of Mitch's employment due to medical issues has left us in great need of assistance to meet our current and anticipated medical expenses.  Mitch was our only wage earner and the loss of his paycheck places us at great risk of losing everything.  As of February 1, 2018, we will have a very little income.  Although Mitch is applying for disability, we may not get approved; and even if we do, the paycheck from disability will be only 60% of his  most recent salary. Needless to say, 60% of our current budget simply will not pay the bills.  

So now, without any income, we are understandably concerned about maintaining our every monetary  responsibility.  We cannot cover our health insurance monthly payment, our mortgage payment, our present considerable medical expenses which include our medications, not to mention the upcoming two surgeries scheduled within the next two years.  We are both beset with serious chronic cardiac and other physical conditions that require constant medical follow-up and monitoring.   

We are struggling.  Struggling to make ends meet.  Struggling with the need to ask for help. Struggling to adjust to a future of much less money coming in and no improvement in our healthcare needs.  And struggling to come to terms with the escalation of Mitch's ongoing medical issues.  Your gift will help both Mitch and Pawnee continue to be able to treat their illnesses with quality medical care, and not to live in fear of losing their home and the family farm on which they live and raise livestock , and which has been in their family for over 70 years.  Finally, we are struggling to know how we will ever be able to show our appreciation and adequately thank you for your donation.  We will lose everything unless generous people sacrifice on our behalf.  How humbling. Here is where your contribution to our campaign begins the healing process.


If You Wish to Know More Specific Medical Details, Read the Following Summary:
Your gift will enable us to continue with medical insurance coverage, pay for prescriptions, and pay medical bills which are always looming overhead, but which, more importantly, are expected to increase. For example, concurrent with the loss of income is the necessary replacement of Mitch’s pacemaker, on which he depends for a heartbeat. Mitch has primary atrial fibrillation which is highly symptomatic and has been the probable cause of past TIA's (a form of stroke), as well as cerebral changes requiring pharmaceutical therpy.  These chronic severe arrythmias were the source of many experimental ablation procedures done through the excellent care of our physicians at Johns Hopkins Hospital, but which did not respond positively to these attempts.  They eventually worsened to the point of ventricular fibrillation,  ultimately  causing caradiac pauses which led to the need for total ablation of the AV node and insertion of his pacemaker.  There are medical conditions secondary to his cardiac diagnosis which require treatment.  As well, Mitch suffered a retinal occlusion in his right eye, which caused a severe bleeding event which has left him almost blind in that eye.  Mitch is a diabetic and experiences debillitating occular migraines with aura.  Generally, he battles ongoing chronic medical conditions of several kinds that limit his ability to function at a daily high level of activity. None of this has stopped Mitch from pursuing his ministry. He gave each day his focused best and achieved much despite critical challenges. His perseverance is exemplary.

Pawnee, Mitch’s wife also has a medical history of several serious conditions which require ongoing treatment, monitoring, and/or stabilization. These include primary idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, brain tumor, fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, congestive heart failure, and an impending knee replacement due to severe arthritis. 


If You Would Like to Know Other Ways You Can Help the Camps With Everyday Expenses, Please See the Following List of Suggestions:
As the time approaches when the severance package from his last job, (80% of previous paycheck) expires, (January 31, 2018) the Camps, having no other income, are understandably concerned about their almost immediate future financially. If the disability insurance they paid for all the years of their employ as ministers to churches, does not provide them with disability payments, they will lose everything. So any help is much appreciated. Help could be in the form of:  
         
         grocery store gift cards,
         money paid to the feed store (Southern States Farm and Home Services in Sykesville, MD) to help with feed and hay for their farm livestock,
        donation to the electric company (BGE), or fuel company (Griffith Fuel), or mortgage  company (Greentree)  in their name,
        any prepaid gift card.

They are trying to find work in their talent areas: worship music leadership, singing and the creative arts. Mitch is also an accomplished woodworker experienced in building custom furnishings. Pawnee is a published writer. is a talented soloist,  and has appeared as an inspirational speaker and as a dramatic theme interpreter at Christian gatherings.


If You Don't Know Mitch and Pawnee Camp, the Beneficiaries of this Campaign, Read the Following Introduction to Them and Their Lives:
A spirit of gladness and a positive, uplifting outlook on life are crucial.  We love God, life and each other deeply.  We have enjoyed serving congregations of worshippers and churches across the United States since 1977, using the fine arts to bring God's people together in corporate worship and praise   Throughout our lives together we have experienced many music opportunities including a time as professional opera and classical music vocalists. Mitch felt God leading him to worship and music ministry while in high school. This calling is expressed in the heart and passion for God that fills Mitch each time he leads a worship service, conducts a choral or orchestral rehearsal, writes music, or counsels and visits with congregation members.  His bright and open personality invite others to join him as he serves his Savior.  We have been told that we have impacted the lives of coutless people with our singing, charismatic personalities, and obvious love for God;  but really we just live joyfully because we are so blessed to get to live at all.  Additionally, a very important part of our life are our ties to the land God has given us.  We live on the farm Pawnee's parents established right after World War II, raising orchard crop from 84 trees of various fruit types, a flock of purebred sheep of both the Gotland and Lincoln Longwool breeds, chickens for eggs, and the usual vegetable garden crops.   This connection with land and the nurturing lifestyle it affords us is another expression of our life view and value system of living in harmony and respect with the world God has created. 
 

If You Want a Breakdown of How These Go Fund Me Donations Will Be Used, Read The Following:
Funds will be used for: The payments for house, land taxes, and health insurance, cost of prescriptions, medical bills, and electric and heating fuel.  
 

How Urgent is the Need?
As of February 1, 2018, the Camps will have very little income, certainly not enough to cover the above listed necessary payments.  


Updates on How the Fundraising is Going Will Be Forthcoming.


Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts,
Smiles!  Mitch and Pawnee Camp.