From Family Camp to the Starting Line

Kelly first learned her son, Owen, had a high risk of developing cancer before he was even born. Owen was diagnosed in utero with transient leukemia, a condition associated with Down syndrome that can increase the risk of developing leukemia later in childhood.

At 15 months old, their fears became reality when Owen was diagnosed with leukemia of Down Syndrome, and he immediately began treatment at SickKids. Most of the family’s experience was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, making an already difficult time even more challenging.

For a baby facing intense treatments, Campfire Circle staff brought music, tons of bubbles, and play – simple moments that made an extraordinary difference during long hospital stays.

“It was really the only non‑medical interaction we were having with anyone,” Kelly says. “It felt humanizing. For us, it was a chance to pretend it was a regular play date.”

Owen completed treatment just before turning two and has been thriving ever since. While he may not remember the hospital, he very much loves the overnight camp experience.

“He talks about family camp all the time,” Kelly says. “When he asks to go to a splash pad, it’s always the Campfire Circle splash pad he’s talking about.”

Owen and his family attended their first family camp in the summer of 2022, when Owen was just two‑and‑a‑half. Kelly remembers the feeling clearly.

“From the second you drive up, you feel so welcome,” she says. “It’s like being instantly encircled – ‘welcome to your new family.’ I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything like that.”

What Kelly enjoyed the most was the feeling of being present.

“At Campfire Circle, the focus isn’t on rehashing what you went through,” she says. “It’s just about being there and having fun. Everything else fades into the background.”

Camp is also a place where Owen is met exactly where he is.

“There were no limitations,” Kelly says. “The staff and the volunteers were going to find a way for Owen to be part of everything, within his capabilities.”

From counsellors communicating through sign language to the team creating fun, accessible ways to move around camp, Owen was never made to feel like an exception.

“Nothing you asked for was too much,” Kelly says. “Nothing was a big deal.”

Kelly first started running to manage stress, but it quickly became something more meaningful. When she learned that the Sporting Life 10K supports Campfire Circle, it felt like an easy decision.

“To give back to somewhere that has given you so much is a really good feeling,” she says. “We paid $0 for experiences that were absolutely priceless. Without donors and volunteers, camp wouldn’t exist.”

Last year, Kelly decided to create a team, Owen Overcomes Obstacles, and brought together a dozen friends and family members – many of whom chose to donate even though they couldn’t run on Mother’s Day.

“I don’t have the means to donate thousands of dollars on my own,” says Kelly. “But when you share what you’re doing and why, people really want to help.”

For Kelly, the race is about community, gratitude, and helping ensure that other families can experience the same care, joy, and belonging that Campfire Circle gave to hers.