Dawn Wolff, the "mother of Camp Heartland," died on Monday, August 16, 2010. Wolff was the mother of Nile Sandeen, the boy whose HIV status caused uproar in Mequon, Wisconsin.  After learning of Sandeen’s struggle in 1991, Neil Willenson founded One Heartland, a camp for children affected by HIV/AIDS.

Neil Willenson commented on Wolff’s life yesterday, “Her willingness to speak openly about AIDS back in 1990, when few did so, ultimately led to the creation of One Heartland. Without Dawn's courage, thousands of children and volunteers would never have experienced Camp Heartland. The genesis of my 20 year journey in the HIV fight – and that of so many others – was Dawn’s desire to create a world that was far more accepting and understanding regarding HIV/AIDS.    She was a powerful voice for acceptance and HIV education at a time when few women publicly disclosed their HIV status. She was a role model who was truly ahead of her time.”

Wolff is survived by her parents Don and Jackie Wolff, her sons Nile and Sean Sandeen, a grandchild and many other family members.

“My mother spent her life working towards tolerance and acceptance of those living with HIV/AIDS in our community and communities across the country. If there was any message that she wants to come from her death it is the same message of education, prevention, and love for the AIDS community. Just as she lived a life of hope we grieve and commend her to God with hope. She did not lose, AIDS did not win. To the contrary, AIDS, like death has no dominion over her,” stated Nile Sandeen, Wolff’s son who lives in St. Paul, Minnesota and is attending Luther Seminary.

Funeral details will be determined in the coming days.

New executive director will leverage history and experience for the next generation of programming for those facing social isolation

Milwaukee (July 23, 2010) – One Heartland today announced after nearly 20 years of service as the Founder and CEO, Neil Willenson, will be passing the torch of CEO and transitioning to a new volunteer role working with active volunteers and key supporters, while transferring daily executive management duties to Patrick Kindler, One Heartland’s current Director of Program Services.

“As I enter my 20^th year in the HIV cause I am amazed at how Camp Heartland has grown into an organization far beyond my initial dreams, now as One Heartland.  The one-week of camp that we put together back in 1993 for a group of kids affected by HIV/AIDS has become a year-round operation for hundreds of children, youth and families affected by socially isolating circumstances including HIV/AIDS.  I am looking forward to remaining involved in One Heartland as its Founder and will be a passionate advocate for years to come,” stated Willenson.

 

One Heartland's newest program, Camp Willow, for families living with Type II Diabetes took place last weekend.  The session was a huge success thanks to Camp Willlow partners the Park Nicollet Foundation and Novo Nordisk.  Nine families came together at the One Heartland Center to enjoy educational programming about healthy eating, exercise and Diabetes management.  Kids enjoyed fun-filled camp activities while parents had opportunities to network with others dealing with similar situations.  One Heartland looks forward to providing this 4-day weekend session to families in need next summer with hopes of increasing the size and frequency of this program far into the future!

For 10 years, Pizza Hut and the Wisconsin Hospitality Group have been providing support and funding to One Heartland and its programs and services.  This year's "Share Your Heart" campaign raised over $50,000 for One Heartland bringing WHG's total donation over $625,000!  Thank you to all of those who purchased paper hearts during the 2010 campaign and to Pizza Hut and WHG for their longtime support!