And What Followed...

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Camp Keepsake


Camp Keepsake Promo Video


I just returned from a weekend of volunteering at Camp Keepsake. I've attended this wonderful
camp as a patient and guest in the past. This year I returned as a host (like a camp counselor) to welcome the new campers!

It was a thrill to return healthy and to return to give back to an organization led by a group of the most passionate and authentic people I have met in my cancer journey. Camp Keepsake has done so much for me and my family and friends. I've seen the camp give hope and transform patients into a family of warriors for love and life. I know it may sound a bit overwrought but I guess you have to experience for yourself the beauty and inspiration this single weekend of camp does for so many.

I was lucky to be paired with a
wonderful family group and made quick friends with Sophie and little Lauren. Both their mothers were dealing with health issues so it was a true gift to be able to give these little girls a chance to be little girls; to give them a break from the difficulties and suffering that illness can burden upon a family. Camp Keepsake is the one weekend when families can be "normal"and enjoy life and each other without worrying about chemo, needles and doctor appointments.

Thanks to Chris, Karie, Thomas, Melissa, Kristi, Carmine, Mara, Juli, Jason, Mark, Ryan, Oscar, Rose, Louie, Alon, Kevin, Joe, Dale, Drew, Gary, Emily, and everyone involved with camp. Here is another way that we take tragedy and turn it into something beautiful.

I can't wait to volunteer again next year!

christine

2 comments:

Able Therapy said...

Hi Christine - this is Tessa from Atlanta. I couldn't find an email address to reach you at. I was hoping to touch base. I am at tessamendoza at gmail.com
Thank you.

doannie said...

Hi Christine,

My name is Annie from the Asian American Donor Program. I'm glad to see that you're still doing well. I was wondering if I could get your contact information so that we could talk to you about your journey as a patient and now a survivor. Please feel free to either call me at 1-800-59-Donor or email me back at annie@aadp.org. Thank you and take care :)