My name is Cameron Pearce and I have been the Administrative Marketing and Development Intern for a few months now. I have had the privilege of working under Melissa, the Director of Development & Growth as well as many other wonderful staff members and volunteers here at CHC. As an intern, I work with Melissa on social media growth, website management, fundraising planning- and many other tasks that I am able to help with around the center. However, I also volunteer every week during programs- which I have found to be my favorite thing about CHC.

I am currently in my senior year at Grand Valley State University, studying health communications as well as business. I spent several months searching for an internship that would teach me valuable things about public health and inspire me in my career.

I was considering an opportunity at a health insurance agency until I learned about the Children’s Healing Center. I learned quickly in my interview that this is a place that I would love to work at. I have always been interested in working at a nonprofit and It didn’t take long for me to understand the mission that everyone is trying to achieve here.

I was nervous, at first, to volunteer during programs because I have no experience with children whatsoever. I was shocked to find out that volunteering would be one of the most fun parts of my job. I found myself in a great Monday night volunteering group and we tackled different tasks and programs together and everyone has been so helpful.

I have watched many kids develop strong friendships with each other, which has been beautiful to see. I think that volunteering here has given me a perspective into the effects that the center has on the kids and their families. I have seen the effects of the center firsthand, and have realized that I am working for a place that I believe in.

I have learned a lot about the value of kids being able to simply have an outlet for fun and play. Many kids with complex medical conditions deal with issues with social determinants of health such as isolation and loneliness. CHC provides a great safe place for kids to be kids. I have witnessed growth in many kids in my short time here and it has been an important learning experience for me.

Some other experiences that I have valued included my efforts in fundraising. I was able to attend the Applied Innovation casino night fundraiser, where I witnessed the large span of people who have been positively impacted by the center and heard a few touching speeches from attendees that have various connections to the center. I am very happy that I was able to find the Children’s Healing Center and I feel very welcome. I am excited for the months to come.