My name is Amy, and I’m reaching out for help to give my grandsons a chance to experience some joy and adventure this summer. Over the past year, our family has faced challenges I never could have imagined. My daughter, who was once a devoted and loving mother, was suddenly diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder. She’s been in and out of mental health facilities and is now unable to care for her children or herself. Their father has not been present, so the responsibility of caring for my grandsons and their mother has fallen to me and my youngest daughter, who is just 19.

On top of this, I had to leave my job as a medical assistant last year to care for my own mother in Florida, who is bedridden after two strokes and struggles with diabetes and dementia. I now work nights at Wawa to pay our bills, doing my best to be there for everyone during the day. My youngest daughter helps care for the family at night. It’s a lot for all of us, but what weighs on me most is the impact this has on my grandsons. They are so young to be facing such heavy times, and I want nothing more than for them to have a chance to just be kids.

I’ve been looking into YMCA Of The Pines camp, which offers sleepaway and coed camps where my grandsons could make friends, have fun, and create happy memories. I know from the kindness we’ve already received from our new community in Medford that people care and want to help. I’ve hesitated to ask for more, but I believe that giving my grandsons this experience would show them they are not alone, that they are seen, and that they deserve happiness. If you remember the joy of childhood summers, I hope you’ll consider helping us. Your support would mean the world to me and would give my grandsons the chance to be part of something special, surrounded by mentors and new friends. Thank you for reading our story and for any help you can give.