The Power of Yes at Family Camp

“At one point in our lives, we didn’t think joy was possible. We were all in so much pain when Thejas, our son, was in the hospital. I remember the tiny joys we would get when someone at Campfire Circle would come in to play the ukulele and sing with us, or when we got an arts and crafts kit to use. That’s what we looked forward to—it was all we looked forward to.

My son needed a liver transplant, and my husband was a match! The surgery was successful, but it was heartbreaking that I couldn’t visit my husband for two weeks while they both recovered. I remember wishing he could have Campfire Circle in his part of the hospital, too!

The pain of having a child with cancer doesn’t leave you. But seeing your child light up, in a moment of joy is a reminder of what cancer can never take away. When we are with camp, this is what cancer can’t take away from us.

Because of Campfire Circle, and friends like you, we went to family camp this summer. We never experienced anything like it. As parents, we’re so used to doing it all: we don’t want the guilt of leaving our kids with anyone. We know the complexities of our medical care. But at camp, we had these amazing support people who were so eager and enthusiastic. My husband and I could have a coffee, sit on the dock, play a board game. We couldn’t remember the last time we did something like that.

There was never a moment that anyone said ‘no.’ Music, the playground, canoeing, high ropes, the talent show—Thejas took it all in, and he never wanted to leave. As a nurse, I was so impressed by the attention to safety and care. The medical part felt almost invisible. It all just felt like part of camp.

This holiday season, my heart is bursting, we are so full of joy. Thejas is excited that he will be a big brother any day now. We are grateful for our health. And we are grateful to the families who support Campfire Circle. I absolutely love this organization so much. Every donation goes very far. Even a small amount has such a huge impact on a family that is struggling. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support.” – Pushkala, Thejas’ Mom

Stories like this are only possible because of caring donors, like you, who make it possible for us to provide camp programs, at no cost to families. Across four paediatric hospitals, we meet newly diagnosed kids and their families who are facing serious childhood illnesses, and they need your help right now to get through their most challenging times. Please give today and your gift will be triple matched!