Matt rock climbing at Camp Meridian

Meet Matt Neuhaus:
Camp Meridian Camper

Stronghearts provides support and supplies for two campers to attend Camp Meridian over Memorial Day weekend in October.  Camp Meridian's mission is to provide a challenging adventure of self-discovery through a series of unique, fun-filled, guided activities allowing the children to realize their own untapped potential.

Matt Neuhaus was one of those campers.  He is diagnosed with dialated cardiomyopathy.  Matt says that he has an enlarged heart and that his heart has a hard time pumping blood through his system.  Matt just completed surgery to have a pace maker at Boston Children’s Hospital.

What Matt loves about Camp Meridian is the chance to safely play sports like Rock climbing, canoeing, basketball and soccer.  With medical personnel nearby,  he and his parents can trust that he will be okay.   Matt also has found friendships that he maintains throughout the year, with other children like himself.  The children at Camp Meridian compare scars.  His mother (Dorie) shared that one night the children made up ghost stories to the rhythm of a child’s heart valve.  Camp Meridian also provided an opportunity for Matt’s parents to do something alone with their older son for the first time since his diagnosis two and a half years ago.  Matt wants very much to return for his third year at Camp Meridian next year. 

Here are some more photos of Matt.

Matt with Dr. Epstein at Camp Meridian

Matt after his pace maker was put in.

Matt doing one of his favorite things--swimming.

© Stronghearts 2011