By now, most of you have heard that my cousin Pamela Polacsek passed away on February 9, 2024. It was nice to see many of you at the funeral. At 27, Pam became a quadriplegic. Pam, with the help of her parents, Allan and Carole, set out on a new path in life. She dedicated herself to her community, joined many clubs and even served as president or board member of some. Pam had a sharp mind and a wonderful sense of humor. Her sorority friends called her “Bubbles” because she had a bubbly personality.

Pam would remind me each year to donate to the YMCA for Camp Chingachgook's scholarship campaign. She found joy in knowing she was part of helping kids have the opportunity to enjoy the same Camp where she made lifelong friends. After her life changed, Pam was invited to join Y-Knot, an adaptive sailing program hosted at Camp Chingachgook. They hoisted her into a sailboat and she sailed again after many years. It was a scary thing to do as a quad, but she was brave and it was a memory she cherished.

To honor my cousin, and your friend Pamela, I would like to give you all the opportunity to donate money towards purchasing a new sailboat for Camp Chingachgook. In the last year, the Alumni Committee at Camp has been raising money to purchase Rockets (a sunfish-style, smaller sailboat). They are about $5,000 each. Thanks to Debbie Katz (Camp Alum 1978, 4, 4) who came up with this idea to celebrate her dear friend Pamela. We are sending this email to about 40 alumni. Donations of any amount would be greatly appreciated.

With much love and good intentions,

Michael Metzger Pam’s cousin and Camp Alum (1976, 3, 2)