My team
My Story…
Helping youth living with chronic illnesses to become independent adults is not an easy job to undertake, yet still Next Step found the right formula to achieve this.
Throughout the campferences, participants get to know each other, and themselves, through music therapy, art therapy, acting, crafting, and facilitated interactions. All of these arts and activities allow the program’s participants to learn how to express themselves: to find the voice buried deep within them to confront live’s most difficult of challenges.
This is not without some silliness. Some of my fondest memories while at Next Step revolve around game nights. At the end of an emotionally and physically taxing day, the participants get to mingle in the room lovingly put together by the staff to bring forth the child within them. A good evening playing Giant Ganga, Telestrations, Settles of Katan, or drawing while chatting all allow for bond strengthening, trust building, and just straight, simple fun.
I run this year's race in the name of Shardé Fultz, a woman whose journey on this planet brought joy to every person she encountered. Thank you Shardé for all your lessons. You are unforgettable.
Description
Next Step empowers teens and young adults living with with life-threatening diseases to successfully transition from childhood to adulthood and into an adult healthcare system, creating their brightest future. This is done by providing extensive support and teaching essential life skills to help our participants to effectively manage their illness, maintain optimum emotional health, and succeed in their professional career. To accomplish these goals, the Next Step programs address the physical, emotional and developmental issues unique to these young adults through our community, music, and mentorship program and moving our young people closer to, "I believe in me."
Please join me in fundraising for this incredible organization!
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| May 27 | EJS | $22.65 |
| May 21 | Jackie | Undisclosed amount |
| May 12 | Juan Jaramillo Montezco | $28.10 |
