Lisel Christian, Camp Heartland Program Assistant and former camper, credits the organization for her transformation from a shy teenager to a confident young woman. Though born with HIV, she was not told of her diagnosis until age 12. This news caused her to withdraw from her friends, family, and school community; she felt that no one understood what she was facing. At the suggestion of her school counselor, Lisel hesitantly made her first trip to Camp Heartland at age 15. Now 21, she has returned to camp every summer because there she feels totally accepted, loved despite her disease, and not alone. The determining factor in Lisel's move from Florida to Minnesota to attend college was that her Camp Heartland family and support system would be nearby. Through her employment with the organization, she shares with young campers the same acceptance, caring, and understanding she continues to receive from the rest of the organization's staff and volunteers. She is extensively involved in planning and staffing summer camping programs, as well as the outreach and support initiatives which occur throughout the year. Lisel has additionally become an accomplished public advocate and speaker at HIV/AIDS conferences and events nationwide.
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