Fundraiser benefits Camp Hometown Heroes

Regina Simon couldn't figure out how to heal the grief-filled hole in her son Dylan's heart. After her Marine Corp husband died from injuries suffered at war, she struggled.

\"I just had 8 years of guilt because I didn't know how to help my kid grieve, and then this camp comes along,\" Simon said.

Camp Hometown Heroes, based out of Grafton, is life changing. Military children from all over the country who've lost parents and siblings get one week at camp to deal with pain they'd been holding in.

\"This camp has allowed me to have such a breakthrough with my grief to where I've opened up in ways that I can guide others on the way that I need to help with theirs,\" Regina's son Dylan Simon said.

It's also free. Friday night a charity event at Wisconsin Center featured stars like Kool & the Gang and other local celebrities hoped to raise money to allow even more children to go.

\"These kids aren't asking for thanks, they're just asking for support. They want to have the chance for renewed hope, brighter tomorrows and the chance to heal,\" co-founder of Hometown Heroes Neil Willenson

Camp attendee 13-year-old Jamari Walls lost his uncle, but gained new friends at camp.

\"It was amazing, it's one of the things I'll never forget,\" Walls said.

It's impact something Dylan's mom Regina says she can never repay

\"They're struggling, they're hurting, they're desperate for something different than what they've been doing and they need this camp,\" Simon said.

If you'd like to donate to Camp Hometown Heroes, visit their website.

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