Hi, I’m Kaylyn McFayden, and I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) on October 16, 2014, when I was eleven years old. Living with T1D has taught me strength, patience, and perspective, but it has also shown me the power of community through a place that changed my life, Camp Conrad Chinnock.

Now, eleven years later, I’m partnering with Pro-Craft to raise funds so more kids living with T1D can experience the same camp that gave me confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships.

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve worked with, partnered with, or know Pro-Craft Construction. My grandparents, Tim and Sue McFayden, founded Pro-Craft more than twenty years ago, and my dad, Chris McFayden, now leads the company as President and CEO. Pro-Craft has always been about more than construction. It’s about people, community, and doing work that makes a lasting difference.

That same spirit is what drives this fundraiser. Together, we’re helping build something that lasts far beyond a jobsite: hope and confidence for kids and families living with Type 1 Diabetes.

What Camp Conrad Means to Me

Camp Conrad will always hold a special place in my heart. It wasn’t just a camp; it was my second home. Being a Type One Diabetic can sometimes make you feel different, but at Camp Conrad, I finally felt like I belonged. Everyone there understood what it was like, and we supported each other through every high and low, both with our blood sugar and our emotions.

The memories I made there will stay with me forever. We had color runs, water days, twin days, and even special nights like prom and homecoming that made camp feel magical. Going to the lake to canoe with friends was one of my favorite things to do. We laughed nonstop and made the best memories out on the water.

One of my favorite spots was the reptile house. I didn’t like the bugs, but I always went in just so I could hold the snake. I loved doing that every time. We even went gold mining, which made it extra fun and exciting. Every day at camp brought something new.

And of course, you can’t forget the camp store, the craft station, and the pool. The camp store was the best place to grab snacks or souvenirs, and I could have spent hours at the craft station making bracelets and art projects. The pool was where we cooled off, played games, and just enjoyed being together under the sun.

But one of the most unforgettable parts of Camp Conrad was Under the Stars Night. We would hike together, eat dinner, tell stories, and then fall asleep under the stars. It was peaceful and magical, one of those nights that made me realize how lucky I was to be surrounded by such amazing people in such a beautiful place.

Camp Conrad taught me to be confident, independent, and proud of who I am. It showed me that diabetes doesn’t define me; it connects me to an incredible community of people who understand and care. I’ll always be grateful for the laughter, love, and memories that Camp Conrad gave me.

Why I’m Raising Funds

This year marks my 11-year Diaversary, and I want to celebrate it by giving back to the place that helped shape who I am. Camp Conrad Chinnock changed my life, and I want more kids with T1D to have that same experience.

Your donations will help fund camp scholarships, supplies, and programs so that every child who wants to attend has the chance, regardless of their family’s financial situation.

I’m proud to be doing this together with Pro-Craft Construction. The company my grandparents built and that my dad now leads has always stood for service, integrity, and community. With the help of Pro-Craft employees, partners, and friends, we can extend that same spirit beyond the jobsite and make a difference for families living with T1D.

How You Can Help

Every donation makes a difference. Whether it’s $10, $100, or $1,000, your support helps send a child with T1D to a place where they can learn, laugh, and feel like they belong.

Thank you for helping me give back to a place that gave me so much.

With love and gratitude,

Kaylyn McFayden