In this week’s Sundays We Bloom story series from Genuist Beauty, we highlight the inspiring journey of Jill Morrisey, a woman who embodies the spirit of being a Perennial—constantly evolving, growing, and thriving through life’s unexpected challenges. As the CEO of Camp Twin Lakes, Jill leads an organization that provides transformative experiences for children facing serious illnesses, disabilities, and life challenges. Her path from a corporate career in healthcare to leading one of the most impactful overnight camps in the country is a story of transformation, resilience, and purpose, sparked by a life-changing diagnosis.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
At 30, Jill’s life took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. At the time, she was flourishing in her corporate career, rapidly advancing in the healthcare industry, but that diagnosis forced her to reevaluate her priorities and focus on managing her health. While she hadn’t experienced diabetes as a child, learning to live with the disease as an adult led her to discover Camp Twin Lakes, an overnight camp dedicated to supporting children facing serious medical conditions.
Wanting to give back, Jill volunteered as a camp counselor, hoping to offer support to children with diabetes. What she didn’t anticipate was how much she would learn from the kids themselves. Their resilience, determination, and joy taught Jill more about her own condition than she had expected, and what started as a small way to give back evolved into a passion that would eventually lead her to a major career shift.
After 12 years of volunteering, Jill made the decision to leave her corporate career and fully dedicate herself to Camp Twin Lakes, a place where children facing life’s toughest challenges find moments of joy, connection, and growth.
Creating a Sanctuary Where Childhood Thrives
At Camp Twin Lakes, Jill now leads a team that offers year-round, adaptive camp experiences for children with serious medical conditions, disabilities, and life challenges. While these kids are never entirely free from the realities of their diagnoses, the camp provides a safe space where their medical challenges are no longer the focus. With the support of on-site doctors, nurses, caregivers, camp counselors and more, the kids at camp can engage in activities like swimming, sports, and arts and crafts—just like any other child.
But this overnight camp goes beyond medical care. It’s deeply invested in mental wellness, creating a safe and supportive environment where children can connect with their peers who understand their struggles. “Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive,” Jill explains. “So many children are facing mental wellness issues, life challenges, or physical limitations. Here, we create an environment where they can just be kids and grow into the people they dream of becoming.”
The camp also provides support for children in difficult life circumstances, such as those in foster care or with incarcerated parents. For siblings separated by foster care, the camp offers a rare opportunity to reunite, while children with incarcerated parents find a space where they can simply be themselves.
Since taking on the role of CEO, Jill has overseen a 30% growth, with the camp now serving more than 11,000 campers each year. “I don’t have children of my own,” Jill reflects, “but I have thousands of kids, and they fuel me every day.”
Work-Life Integration: Where Passion and Purpose Collide
Jill’s journey from corporate healthcare to leading the camp was more than a career change—it was the merging of her passion and profession. For her, work-life balance evolved into work-life integration, where her personal mission and professional goals became one. “When your passion and profession come together, it truly no longer feels like work,” she says. Her role is deeply personal, driven by her commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children the camp serves.
Alongside her is her golden retriever, Bijou, who holds an official place on the executive team as the camp’s therapy dog. Trained by Canine Assistants, Bijou plays an essential role in supporting the emotional well-being of campers. Offering comfort and companionship to children who may feel anxious or homesick, Bijou provides a special kind of care—bringing joy and reassurance in ways that words alone often cannot.
On Aging & Embracing New Chapters
As Jill entered her 50s, she noticed a shift in her focus—from a performance-driven mindset to one centered on passion and the well-being of others. “Mentally, I’ve shifted to a role where it’s less about me and more about the people I care for,” she says. This change has shaped how she leads and how she approaches new phases of her personal life.
Now 58, Jill continues to embrace personal growth outside of work. She actively seeks out mentors with wisdom and experience, tries new things like art classes, and approaches life with a mindset of curiosity and openness. Her approach reflects the Perennial philosophy—continually evolving, learning, and embracing the opportunities that each new chapter of life brings.
A Perennial in Full Bloom
For Jill, the concept of being a Perennial means blooming through life’s challenges and embracing the unexpected turns we all face as opportunities for growth. Her diagnosis of type 1 diabetes was a defining moment that led her away from the corporate world and toward a life filled with greater meaning and fulfillment than she could have fathomed.
Her advice to those feeling uncertain about their path is simple: find what lights you up. “Pay attention to what brings you joy and energy,” she says. “That’s where you’ll find your purpose.” For Jill, that path led her to the camp, where she has not only built a rewarding career but also found a community that inspires her every day.
Living a Life That Blooms Year-Round
As Jill continues to lead Camp Twin Lakes and embrace her own personal growth, she remains committed to the idea that life is a continuous cycle of blooming. Her journey—from corporate healthcare to leading an overnight camp for kids that changes lives—is a testament to the power of staying open to new possibilities and finding joy in every season. Through her work, her personal pursuits, and her dedication to the children she serves, Jill continues to bloom season after season, inspiring others to do the same.
For those inspired by Jill’s story and the work being done at camp, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. Whether through volunteering, donating, or participating in fundraising events like the Partners Card, you can play a role in supporting the thousands of children who rely on Camp Twin Lakes for life-changing experiences.
To learn more about how you can get involved and help create meaningful change in the lives of children facing serious challenges, visit Camp Twin Lakes.