PTO That Changes Lives

When most of us think about taking a week off, our minds wander to sandy beaches and bottomless margaritas. But our teammate Jess chooses something entirely different, and honestly, it leaves us speechless.

Every August, while many of us are trying to squeeze in one last summer getaway, Jess heads to Catalina Island to serve as a counselor at Camp Del Corazon, a free summer camp for kids living with heart disease. For a full week of her hard-earned PTO, Jess trades in “out of office” auto-replies for service, yep, the kind of work that does not come with a paycheck.

At Camp Del Corazon, more than 100 kids come together each session to experience something most of them have never had before: independence. These are children who have spent much of their lives in and out of hospitals, carefully protected at home, and often missing out on childhood adventures many of us take for granted. At camp, they get to be kids first and heart patients second.

Imagine the courage it takes for a child, many spending their very first night away from home, to step onto the island and say, “Yes, I am ready.” Then imagine the courage it takes to climb a rock wall or strap into a high ropes course, knowing your body has been through more than most adults could handle. That is the magic Jess gets to witness. She is there cheering them on and celebrate every victory.

What makes Camp Del Corazon truly extraordinary is that every counselor, doctor, and nurse is a volunteer. The team ensures that every camper can experience camp activities under the safety net of expert care. It feels like camp in every sense of the word, but it is also a carefully woven tapestry of compassion and medical expertise.

And what’s really cool is that Jess chooses to spend her precious PTO not on herself, but on these kids. She gives them her energy, her heart, and her belief in their strength. In doing so, she gives them something priceless: the chance to simply be kids.

We feel incredibly honored to work alongside someone who leads with that kind of selflessness. Jess reminds us that time off does not always mean recharging on a lounge chair, although we all love that too. Sometimes, the best way to fill your cup is to pour into others.

So cheers to Jess and every counselor, nurse, and doctor who makes Camp Del Corazon possible. You remind us what it really means to make a difference.

Because at the end of the day, it is not about where you spend your PTO. It is about how you choose to show up for the world.