Life Comes Full Circle…
Life Comes Full Circle: After Rocking the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta, Bret Michaels Gives Back to the Next Generation of West Virginians Living with Type 1 Diabetes
Charleston, W.Va. — Right after electrifying one of the, if not the biggest crowds we’ve ever seen at the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta, rock icon Bret Michaels is proving once again that some of life’s greatest encores happen off the stage.
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) at just six years old, Michaels knows firsthand the challenges children and families face following a diagnosis. He also knows the life-changing impact of finding a community that understands.
Today, Michaels announced he will personally sponsor one child to attend Camp Kno-Koma and one young adult to participate in a Ties for Tim adventure retreat—two programs located in West Virginia dedicated to supporting individuals living with Type 1 diabetes.
“Life truly comes full circle,” Michaels said. “As a kid with Type 1 diabetes, I was a camp kid at Camp Kno-Koma, and this program literally saved my life. They gave me confidence, lifelong friendships, and showed me diabetes didn’t have to define my future. I’m honored to help make sure other children and young adults have that same opportunity.”
For more than 60 years, Camp Kno-Koma has provided a medically supervised summer camp experience where children with Type 1 diabetes can enjoy all the adventures of camp while learning how to confidently manage their disease alongside other children facing the same challenges. The camp’s mission is built on three core principles—adventure, education, and friendship—and has positively impacted generations of West Virginia families.
The Ties for Tim adventure retreat offers young adults living with Type 1 diabetes the opportunity to connect with peers, build confidence, embrace outdoor adventure, and strengthen the support networks that are so important as they transition into adulthood.
Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin said Michaels’ generosity perfectly reflects the spirit of the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta.
Stated Mayor Goodwin, “Thousands of people came to Charleston to see Bret Michaels perform, but what he’ll leave behind is so much more than a great concert—he’s leaving hope. These incredible donations are an investment in the next generation of West Virginia children and young adults living with Type 1 diabetes, and they remind us that the greatest gifts are often those that truly change someone’s life. We are incredibly grateful for Bret’s generosity, and we can’t wait to welcome him back to the Capital City soon!”
Michaels added, “Those wishing to join me in this effort to help send additional children and young adults to camp can donate through the organization’s official donation page at www.campknokoma.com.”
Michaels also is making separate donations to local organizations in support of veterans and animal rescue efforts.
For more information and all the latest news and tour dates, visit BretMichaels.com.
Tomorrow, tune in for a raw, true and emotional Wednesday Fast Fact Vertical.
