Camp CARE and Make a Wish Foundation

I wanted to take a little time to highlight a great organization; actually two of them! When I was in Charlotte, my favorite patient population to take care of was the hem/onc kids. Meaning, hematology/oncology. Yep, that's kids with cancer. So unfair, yet a reality. And I just loved taking care of them. They come in frequently for spinal taps and bone marrow aspirations, so over time we'd get to know them with their families. It was from these patients that I first heard of Camp CARE. It's stands for Cancer Ain't Really the End. It's a nonprofit in Charlotte, that does monthly events plus a week long summer camp. And, it's all FREE for the kids. Each child can have one sibling also come to camp. Plus, the entire family is always welcome at the monthly events. I hate that I won't get to be closely involved anymore.

This is an awareness month for childhood cancer. And I feel the need to make a couple of things more well know. First off, the Leukemia and lymphoma society always uses a bald child in their campaigns to raise money. Yet, the majority of the money all goes to adult research. That's just wrong. Stores are always asking if I'd like to donate to St. Jude's. Now I'm sure it's a wonderful hospital, but they won't take patient's that have had previous treatment elsewhere. Again, I just think that's wrong. Hopefully someone will read this, and tell me these things have changed!!!

The other organization that I am a big fan of is Make A Wish. I've looked into becoming a volunteer for them, and hope to get that going in another year or so. I don't want to start unless I can make it a serious commitment. It's such a wonderful service they provide for children. And, it's not just children with cancer. That's a big part of who they serve, but it's not exclusive to just them.

Last summer, I got to go to Camp CARE's summer camp. I was one of five counselors in a cabin with 12 little girls. They ranged in age from 6-8. Some were in active treatment, some in remission, and some were siblings. We had an awesome cabin! It was an amazing and fulfilling week, despite being sick as a dog at 12 weeks preggo. Here are some pics from that great week!

The banner hanging.

The most EXCITING moment. The campers arriving!!!! They come on three big buses from Charlotte. It's such an emotionally charged moment. Of course, it could've been my hormones too.
Jumping off the (really really high) rope swing. Seriously, it was high. I wouldn't have done it even if I wasn't pregnant. These kids have GUTS!
Yes, they ate dessert with no hands. Yes, their faces were messy. Yes, they had a great time. Nothing a napkin couldn't handle. It was moments like this I loved the most, because the kids just got to be the type of kid they couldn't be at home.
My cabin all lined up for the big swim test.

The very first night of camp, the counselors and staff all "perform" for the campers. It's a great way to break the ice, and for them to get to see us being all silly. Kinda sets the tone for the week, ya know? Each day had a theme, and the first day was Christmas. Hence, each cabin was assigned a Christmas song to perform to. These guys below were my favorite; absolutely laugh out loud funny. They straight up performed to the Nutcracker music, and with completely straight faces.

That's right folks, there was a trapeze!!! This amazing family from Florida comes up (they are circus or either previous circus performers), and sets up their trapeze. Can you imagine??? I wanted to do it so bad, but was 12 weeks preggo with Drake. It was a no-go :-(
Of course, we had plenty of pool time. Another necessity of summer camp.
Me with some of my campers, all dressed up for the big dance. It was a highlight of the week for these girls.
Arts and crafts--summer camp just isn't complete without it!

Camp CARE

Fun riding on the boat!
Some of my crazy girls getting ready for the dance!
Dancing with another one of my buddies! (Yes, I know I look massively preggo here!)
Above: All my girls lined up for their swim test.
Below: At the dance, shaking my rumpus

Above: Three of the girls in my cabin who enjoyed eating dessert with no hands. What the heck; their moms weren't around! Camp is fun!!!

Camp CARE stands for Cancer Ain't Really the End. It's a Charlotte nonprofit committed to giving children with cancer and their siblings a normal camp experience each summer, as well as providing year round activities call "reality checks". I initially heard about Camp CARE at work, b/c the week after all the pts got back, it's ALL I would hear about. So this year, I decided to get off my fanny and get my application in to be a counselor. Luckily, I was accepted, and just got back this past weekend. I was one of 5 counselors in a cabin with 11 little girls, ages 6-8. Alot of them were first time campers, but surprisingly we didn't have anyone crying for mommy at night. We were so shocked noone was homesick! We kept them so busy, that they fell into bed exhausted at night, with no time to even think about home. I was really worried about my exhaustion level (still being in my first trimester), and the ever present nausea. However, I survived it, and even had a blast!!! It was by far one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I mean, how could I complain about being nauseated, when most of these little girls have spent months throwing up from chemo? It was a reality check if I've had one. I really want to go back next year, and my dear hubbie go with me. I honestly think he would love it. It's a true camp up in the mountains, with all the typical camp experiences. The problem will be leaving Shim. I just don't know how that's going to all work out....
Let me see if I can get some pics on here.