Dear Friends of Destination Foundation,

It is my great pleasure to introduce myself as Destination Foundation's new Spokesperson. I first got involved with Destination Foundation in May 2002, when I was asked to host Destination Foundation's annual fundraiser gala, Tails of the City. I immediately felt connected to both the cause and the people behind the cause. As I learned more about the Foundation and its mission, I realized that I wanted to continue my involvement with the organization after the event.

As you know, Destination Foundation provides dream trips to people living with life-threatening illnesses. Recipients can travel anywhere they want and can bring their loved ones if they choose. Dream trips offer a chance to get away from seemingly endless rounds of medical visits and the day-to-day logistics of living with an illness. They inspire renewed commitment to the struggle for life and health not only for those with a serious disease, but also for those dealing with depression, loss of income, and loss of an active lifestyle that often result from living with a life-threatening illness. Destination Foundation views these trips as a form of alternative therapy to rejuvenate the spirit, mind and the body, rather than a last wish. And they provide lasting happy memories long after the trip has ended. At Tails of the City, I met people who had benefited from the generosity of Destination Foundation. Joanne never thought she would meet her baby nephew after she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which metastasized to her brain. Because of Destination Foundation, Joanne flew to New York and saw her nephew's christening. The Foundation also helped Howard and his family spend Christmas at Disneyland away from the hospice. They were so grateful for such wonderful family bonding experience. I was inspired by the obvious impact these trips have had on all of their lives.

Over the past few months, I have had the pleasure of working with Tim Hepworth. Tim founded Destination Foundation in memory of his partner, Jim Poole, an American Airlines flight attendant, who passed away from AIDS in 1997. During their many years together, Jim and Tim traveled the world, from the bustling markets of Bangkok to the remote jungles of Papua New Guinea. Tim saw that even though Jim was sometimes suffering ill health, the rewards of travel and realizing dreams had a very positive impact on his life and well being. In planning the trips, Jim had something to look forward to. And long after they returned, Jim would recall them fondly. They also provided Tim with happy memories to cherish long after Jim's passing. Tim's love for Jim inspired him to turn his personal loss into something positive. With a small donation from Jim's estate, he founded Destination Foundation to help those who, like Jim, were living with life-threatening illnesses. Tim's commitment to the cause, and his love for Jim and for humanity is an inspiration.

As Destination Foundation's Spokesperson, I am personally committed to supporting the Foundation by helping publicize, raise awareness, and raise funds through my involvement with Showtime and Queer As Folk. I thank you for your continued support of Destination Foundation and look forward to achieving our mission - together we can change more lives with dream trips.

Yours Truly,
Michelle