Fallon’s Story

“Camp is everything you need when you are fighting for your child’s life.”

When Fallon was diagnosed at age 10, our world crashed and burned. Being at the hospital is a blur of tears, needles, and a lot of anxiety. But then you hear the ‘tink tink’ of a ukulele and there is a joyful, smiling, energetic burst of energy. That’s the sound of Campfire Circle.

We found the same electric energy at Rainbow Lake for family camp. From the moment we arrived to a rambunctious pool noodle welcome, we were surrounded by positive people. You just can’t stop smiling at camp—you smile from the minute you wake up to the time you go to bed with your face hurting from smiling all day. Camp is everything you need when you are fighting for your life.

I love and cherish the connections we make with other parents through Campfire Circle: finding new friends who love and worry about their babies as much as we do. When we found camp, we didn’t feel alone anymore. Life becomes bearable. We get a lot of love and a lot of inspiration from other families. The ability to be real, vulnerable, and also silly together with other families who know what it’s like, it just feels good. Camp is always on the family calendar in ALL CAPS!

We shared a moment at camp I’ll never forget: Fallon and I were sailing. It was peaceful and quiet in the early morning. The birds were calling, and the mist was on the lake. We were holding each other’s hands and felt the wind on our face. These are the moments you don’t expect or even dare to hope for when you’re in the hospital or sick at home. Camp is magic.

I know that when Fallon goes to Muskoka overnight camp for the first time, I’ll be a nervous wreck. But I know she’s in the best hands. She’ll make new friends and have new experiences. I can’t wait to hear all her stories. At camp, Fallon blossoms. When she’s away, I’ll imagine seeing her with other kids that have seen too much for their tiny age—and I’ll imagine seeing her being not just OK with who she is, but proud of who she is. That’s Fallon at camp—and I can’t wait for her to have more adventures!
– Michelle Goodman, Fallon’s mom