Randy:

I am compelled to submit this letter not only as a Registered Nurse for the medically complex/fragile pediatric population in Greenville, SC, but also as the sister of an extremely medically complex little girl who suffers from Reactive Airway Disease and endures many seizures and respiratory complications that at times have become life-threatening. It has been our unparalleled privilege to have our nonverbal, nonambulatory little girl experience the joys of a week at beautiful Camp New Hope for several years now. These trips to Camp New Hope have provided some of our greatest adventures and memories as a family and, as the name of the camp infers, leaves you with renewed hope for the yet unexplored days and months to follow.

When our little girl arrives at Camp New Hope, many of her airway issues are miraculously eased and sometimes alleviated during that one week where she enjoys riding through the splendor of nature trails on the Kubota rigged with her adaptive seat or floating down the pristine, unpolluted New River on giant tubes, relaxing her tense little body and gifting us with priceless smiles and squeals. The uncorrupted backdrop of the mountains, the plethora of wildlife and the bountiful and unscarred native vegetation and foliage provide sounds and beautiful smells that are soothing, calming and pleasing to her.

As a Registered Nurse who has dedicated myself to ensuring compassion, comfort and joy to hurting children and who possesses a desire to lessen the physical suffering of the most innocent of populations in this great territory of the Carolinas, it grieves my heart to think that some of its citizenry would deprive, hinder and be the very obstacle and impediment to ensuring that these children have a week of clean healthy fun. And in all honesty, for some this has been their last week of fun experienced on this earth before God called them home. What an honor for Glendale Springs to be that type of sanctuary--that haven for memories for these special children.

I truly display my grievance that this should even be an issue that has been contemplated this long and am embarrassed that the "Caring for the Carolinas" slogan we often use in Greenville, SC is neglecting to care for one of its dearest, purest and most innocent of children.

As an RN, I have presented, recommended and urged parents to experience Camp New Hope as a sanctuary free from pollution, toxins, disturbing noises and high traffic. If this plant is allowed to disturb the perfect simplicity of Camp New Hope and its environmental surroundings, it breaks my heart and negates the possibility of our little girl (and most of my referrals) from returning to her place of solace where she is doted over and loved in ways you must only experience to fully understand.

I will consider it a dark, grim day in North Carolina if you would allow politics, greed and the lack of compassion to replace the real treasures that embody Randy Brown, Will and Mark Adkins, and Camp New Hope. It has long been the history of this republic to trust our officials to intercede on behalf of and to be the advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. I trust that you will find it in your hearts and conscience to act on behalf of these children who have such limited joys to experience. People come from all over the United States to experience Camp New Hope and the hospitality that Glendale Springs presents to its special visitors because there is no other camp as unique as Camp New Hope. It truly is one of a kind. You never know, you may have the need to experience the gift of Camp New Hope one day as a father, mother, grandfather or grandmother. Ensure that this charted plot of God's beautiful creation remains toxin-free, pollutant-free and free of commercial traffic and industry. I assure you, the rewards of your reputation of serving these children far outweigh the repercussions of pollutants, toxins, white noise and uncompassionate corporate residents.

Respectfully submitted,

Tracy Staly, RN,BSN

USER

2017-06-28