The Painted Turtle has been described as a magical place for children with life-threatening and chronic illnesses.

Campers come from throughout California, as well as the Antelope Valley, to experience a medically safe camping experience - one in which they would not normally get to participate. Such a special place requires having good friends to help support it.

High Desert Medical Group (HDMG ) has been a generous friend for the special campers who come every summer to the Painted Turtle in Lake Hughes.

For its 2008 donation, HDMG donated medications totaling $11,970. Presenting a room full of medications and supplies to the Painted Turtle, HDMG Administrator Rafael Gonzalez said he felt honored to present the meds to the camp's medical director, Dr. Ben Meisel.

This year, HDMG is giving $11,970 in medications. Combined with last year's donation of $19,000 in medications, HDMG has given a total of $30,970.

The medical group contributed everything from antibiotics to cold medicine to first-aid supplies to keep the children and families participating in the camp healthy and happy. The generous gift by HDMG continues to provide the camp with the majority of its medical supplies for the year.

Located in Lake Hughes, the Painted Turtle Camp is one of Paul Newman's 'Hole in the Wall' camps for seriously ill children. While still in the presence of medical professionals, the camp gives the children a place to have fun and enjoy being kids, rather than focusing on their illnesses.

High Desert Medical Group wants to make sure these kids have the opportunity to keep coming back for a long time.