Giving back a lifetime of camp memories

Jack had a heart transplant when he was born, and developed post-transplant lymphoma when he was five years old.

“We found out on his birthday,” recalls Dione and Bob, Jack’s parents. “I asked the doctor if we could wait until the next day to tell him, so he didn’t have to find out on his birthday, but Jack had to start chemo right away.”

While having treatment at SickKids, the family learned about Campfire Circle, and Jack, along with his three siblings and their parents, attended family camp at Rainbow Lake.

“When we got to camp, the family guides introduced themselves and were ready to whisk the kids away,” says Dione. “I’m a stay-at-home mom. I’m used to being with my kids all the time, so it took me by surprise. But by the second day, I didn’t notice where my kids were. I knew they were safe. It was a big moment for me, and such a wonderful experience.”

“We enjoyed that everyone was included. Parents were also treated like campers. We were able to do the high ropes, have dinner made for us, and participate in games,” says Bob. “Our family loves to be competitive, so we really got into it!”

The following summer, Jack had the chance to go to kids’ camp at Muskoka. A few days into his overnight experience, Dione got the call that he loved camp so much that he wanted to stay another week.

When Dione went to pick him up, Jack said, “I only cried once. It was today. Because I have to go home.”

Giving back as a priority

Today, Jack is 18 years old, and the family has a lifetime of memories and experiences from camp.

“We have kept in touch with some of the families we have met through the years. It was nice sharing a journey with someone that really knows what you’re going through—the same doctors, the same procedures—and yet, the stories are also different.”

The family could not imagine going through their experience without Campfire Circle.

“This is why we’ve become monthly donors. Giving monthly allows us to donate more—it’s also easy and convenient,” says Dione and Bob. “And it’s nice to think that another family going through a trauma will have the same joy and memories that we have. That feels good!”