spring 2011 childhood cancer volume 9 • number 1 ......first-timers and returning campers gear up...

ast year, close to 400 campers attended SummerCamp, enjoying the campfires, sing-alongs,

friendship bracelets and opportunities to kick back and relax — just like other kids at camp. They arrivehome more confident in themselves and more secureabout their illness. As returning camper MorganWebster said, “It is amazing how fast I made friendsand how many activities I did. I cannot wait to go back.”

For a child with cancer, one week at camp can trulymake a lifetime of difference. Here Morgan and first-time camper Nolan Blake share their stories.

Morgan Webster: The Second Time Around

Maybe it’s the thought of kayaking with friends, horseback riding along the trail, taking on the pamperpole challenge again, or making even more friends.Whatever the reasons, 17-year-old Morgan Webster of Cartersville cannot wait for her return trip to Summer Camp. Diagnosed in 2009 with acutelymphoblastic leukemia, Morgan went to Summer Campfor the first time in 2010. “I loved it. It was a greatgetaway from being sick and at the clinic and in thehospital,” she said. Unfortunately, about half waythrough her week, Morgan started running a fever and

POSTCARDSC A M P S U N S H I N E

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First-timers and Returning CampersGear Up for Summer Fun

SPRING 2011Volume 9 • Number 1

A Publication for Families and Friends of Camp Sunshine –Programs for Children with Cancer

Then & Now Childhood cancer

survivors Jessie and Joe met

at camp as teenagers. When

they met again as young adults,

romantic sparks ignited. Page 3

Dream Ride Campers

experience the thrill of

cruising Georgia 400 in a

rare vintage automobile.

Page 4

Flight to Neverland

Campers and families

experience the magic of

“Peter Pan” at a benefit

performance. Page 4

Continued on Page 5

For a child with cancer, carefree summer days filled with hiking, swimming and having fun with friends

are often replaced with clinic visits, treatment protocols and hospital stays. At Camp Sunshine Summer

Camp, a camper can receive chemotherapy in the morning and go horseback riding in the afternoon. No

wonder that for first-timers and returning campers alike, thoughts are turning to Summer Camp.

her blood countsdropped. She leftcamp in an ambu-lance and had tomiss the rest ofher camp week.

Morgan turnedher disappoint-ment into

anticipation, patiently waiting for a return trip thisyear. “Camp is awesome. There you are in the middle of being sick and you can feel like a totally normalperson, because everyone knows exactly what you aregoing through,” she said.

Morgan was a junior at Woodland High School, anhonor student preparing for a role in The Nutcracker,when her world turned upside down. “The week beforeThanksgiving, we were just sitting down for a normalfamily dinner when Morgan texted me to come into thebedroom — her back was hurting terribly,” her motherMissy recalled. At first her mother, a nurse at FloydHospital, thought it might be strained from dancing or,perhaps, a kidney stone. A CAT scan and lab work

I remember thinking being acounselor would pale incomparison to being a camper,but last summer proved mewrong. I loved it.

It gives me a differentperspective and appreciationfor the patients that I workwith on a daily basis. I lovegetting to know the kidsoutside of the hospital.

It is part of who I am. I havebeen coming to camp since1996, and it keeps megrounded and reminds ofwhat is important in my life.

I have attended Camp as acamper, an LIT and a coun-selor, and camp gets betterevery year. Seeing kids whohave been through so muchhaving such an awesomeweek is the highlight of myyear, and I wouldn’t miss itfor the world.

I love camp! It reenergizes me — seeing all my patientshealthy, happy and being‘normal’ kids.

Counselors Respond:Why Do You Want To Return ToSummer Camp?

camp, camp. Our Volunteer Spotlight on Cathy and DaveGraves highlights friends who not only give of their ownvolunteer time, but also have made Camp Sunshine afamily matter. The Graves have taught their own children,Mitchell and Amelia, from an early age about camp. Oneyear, the children even dedicated their birthday parties tocamp, wanting no birthday gifts for themselves but ratherasking for gifts to Camp Sunshine.

Our Then & Now spotlights another couple, Jessie andJoe, both childhood cancer survivors who met at camp asteenagers 13 years ago. The romantic spark didn’t igniteuntil much later. Jessie and Joe were married last August.Like the Graves, they are committed as a couple to CampSunshine. Their story is inspiring; their volunteer giving is invaluable.

Summer Camp is just around the corner. Our coverstory highlights returning camper Morgan Webster whocannot wait for her return trip and first-timer Nolan Blakewho practically has his bags packed. But it is not just ourcampers who are counting down the days. Read what ourreturning counselors have to say.

There are many ways to help a child experienceSummer Camp. You can go on-line and support theKeencheefoonee Road Race or use the enclosed envelopeto make a donation directly to camp. It costs $500 to sendone child to camp for one week. The rewards, as seen inthe smiles of our campers, are positively priceless.

– Sally Hale, Executive Director

What do a spectacular theater production, a children’sbirthday party and a ride in a snazzy Ferrari all have incommon? In the hands of creative donors, philanthropistsand friends, all are ways to benefit the children and families of Camp Sunshine.

One amazing aspect of camp is the limitless ways that people support our programs. This issue of Postcardsreminds me how this imaginative and generous giving makes possible not only Summer Camp but also an entireyear of programming.

This benevolent spirit was evident at a special perform-ance on February 21 of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan by threesixty°Productions at Pemberton Place in downtown Atlanta. We aredeeply grateful to the producers and to our sponsors anddonors who enabled campers and their families to take flighton an unforgettable journey to Neverland.

Ferrari-Maserati of Atlanta offers a different kind oftravel in the annual Dream Ride for Kids. On the firstSaturday in June, owners of some of the world’s ritziest carstake children from CURE, the Ronald McDonald House andCamp Sunshine on an unforgettable ride up Georgia 400. Itis hard to tell who has more fun — the grownups or the kids.We are deeply grateful for this exhilarating opportunity.

Financial support is essential to our programming, butit is the giving of volunteer time and talent that makes

C A M P S U N S H I N E P O S T C A R D S2

MOVING?Have you movedrecently? Are you

about to move? Do weneed to change your

mailing address, e-mailor phone number?

Contact [email protected] or call 404-325-7979,

ext. 10.

Your Gift Makes a Difference

OUR MISSIONSTATEMENT

Camp Sunshine enrichesthe lives of Georgia’s children with cancer and their families

through recreational,educational and

support programs.

DEAR CAMP SUNSHINE FRIENDS,

Summer Camp is just around the corner. You can help a child with cancer experience an unforgettable week with a gift to Camp Sunshine today.

Provide arts & craft supplies for a cabin ........................................$ 50

Provide snacks for one day ..........................................................$ 100

Provide cabin welcome gifts – T-shirts, water bottles & more.........$ 250

Sponsor a camper for a week .......................................................$ 500

Sponsor one camper EACH week ................................................$1,000

Provide bus rides to camp for 200 campers ...............................$2,500

Sponsor a full cabin of campers! ................................................$5,000

Gifts of any size are welcome, acknowledged and gratefully received. Simply fill out the enclosed donor envelope and return it with your check. Or donate on-line at mycampsunshine.com.

BRAVES SEASON TICKET HOLDERS

Donate tickets for August 14th Braves game for families

to attend our annual “Hit a Home Run.”Contact Tenise at 404-325-7979 or tenise@

mycampsunshine.com

Jessie and Joe have some very important life experiences in common. Both were diagnosed with childhood cancer at Egleston Children’s Hospital in February of 1995. Both were campers at Camp Sunshine throughout the late 1990s. After graduating from camp, both became counselors-in-training. Both are graduates of theUniversity of West Georgia. Both are popular and well-loved cabin counselors for Teen Week. And now they share the same wedding anniversary, because on August28, 2010, they were both married – to each other.

They met at camp in 1998. Joe was 16 andJessie was 14. They became friends withone main common interest: Camp Sunshine.

“When you are a kid with cancer, youhave parents who want to shelter you andtake care of you and never let you out oftheir sight,” Jessie said. “Camp was

awesome. I gotto be aroundkids who knewwhat I was goingthrough. Mostimportant, I gotto be a normalkid again.”

Jessie was 11and had been tothe doctor’s for asore throat andlow energy. Oneday at school her

teachers noticed how pale and lethargic shewas. Jessie was taken to Egleston where she was diagnosed with acute lymphocyticleukemia. Jessie began intensivechemotherapy. After one week, she wasreleased from the hospital and continuedher treatment at the clinic. Within a monthof diagnosis, Jessie’s cancer was in remis-sion, but she continued with chemotherapyfor six months. At that time, testingrevealed the possibility of relapse, and

C A M P S U N S H I N E P O S T C A R D S

Jessie’s doctors highly recommended abone marrow transplant. A matched unrelated donor was found on the nationaldonor registry. Jessie received her trans-plant at the University of MinnesotaMedical Center in October of 1995.

At approximately the same time, Joewas seeing doctors about a pain in hisknee that wouldn’t go away. At first it wasthought to be growing pains. Eventually an orthopedic surgeon called for an MRI.Further testing discovered the source ofJoe’s pain: Ewing’s sarcoma. Joe beganchemotherapy and underwent a limbsalvage procedure in June. After startinganother round of chemotherapy, infectiondeveloped in the leg and it had to beamputated. Joe finished his chemotherapyand has been cancer free since 1995.

Both learned about Camp Sunshinethrough “Miss Sydney” at Egleston. “Itwas fun and wild with all the activities we had to choose from,” Joe said. “Todaythere are even more programs and eventsfor the kids to do.” Even more amazing,they both agree, are the friendshipsformed at camp that last throughout the years.

In 2000, Joe graduated from high school and camp and went on to college at the University of West Georgia. Jessiegraduated a year later and also enrolled

there. They were reunited and remainedfriends throughout college; however, they lost touch after Jessie graduated and started working.

Fast forward to 2009. By this time,Jessie was working full-time and Joe hadre-enrolled at the university to finish hisdegree. Joe had continued to volunteer atvarious camp programs, but because ofcollege classes and work, Jessie hadmissed several summer camps. One dayJoe happened to find Jessie on Facebook and rekindled the lost friendship. She wasliving in Newnan not far from where Joewas living in Peachtree City. Joe invitedher to meet him and a group of friends fordinner at a nearby restaurant one night.They began dating and their friendshipstarted blossoming into much more.

The two were married last Augustbefore 260 guests, including many CampSunshine friends. Also in attendance wasone very special guest – Rebecca, Jessie’sbone marrow donor, with whom Jessie andher family keep in touch.

The newlyweds are counting the daysuntil Summer Camp. “It inspired me as ayoung camper to see the counselors whowere survivors and to get to know theirstories,” Joe said. “I hope that our storiescan inspire campers for years to come.”�

Jessie’s & Joe’s Story

3

T H E N & N O W

Ferrari-Maserati of AtlantaMakes Dream Rides Come True

The event, which features 100 rare and priceless automobiles,is a big undertaking involving many logistics, noted manager WillCampbell. “But we have truly committed customers, employees andvolunteers who love this event and wouldn’t miss this opportunity tosupport these kids. The response is overwhelming year after year.”

The cars run the gamut from old muscle cars like GTOs andCamaros to luxury imports. The kids get to choose the car they wantto ride in, and many bring a brother or sister along for the ride.Once the caravan reaches the dealership, the kids and the theirfamilies are treated to a cookout and fair-like fun with miniaturehorses, an Army helicopter, the Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders, aSilent Auction and more.

The Dream Ride holds special meaning for Ferrari-Maserati’sHugh Steward. His daughter Sarah is cancer survivor and formerCamp Sunshine camper who is now a leader in training for SummerCamp. “This is a terrific event for us, for the kids and for theseorganizations,” he said. “We are thrilled to be a part of it.” �

C A M P S U N S H I N E P O S T C A R D S4

Picture riding up Georgia 400 in an Enzo Ferrari, vintage Mustang orimported Alfa Romeo and you can begin to imagine the excitement

of young campers who participate in theannual Dream Ride for Kids, hosted byFerrari-Maserati of Atlanta and sponsoredby several local Atlanta businesses, tobenefit Camp Sunshine, CURE and theAtlanta Ronald McDonald House.

Owners of fine and exotic vehiclesfrom all over the country are invited tomeet in Atlanta on the first Saturday inJune to give children from these organi-

zations the ride of their dreams. The group gathers at Seasons 52Restaurant at Perimeter Mall and travels I-285 to GA 400 north tothe dealership on Alpharetta Highway in Roswell with a policeescort, including officers from Roswell, Marietta, Alpharetta andDunwoody, providing smooth sailing and safe arrivals.

C O M M U N I T Y P A R T N E R

Camp Sunshine thanks our sponsors, donors, guests and partnersfor an unforgettable journey to Neverland at a special benefit presentation of J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan” by threesixty° Productionson February 21st at Pemberton Place in downtown Atlanta.

More than 1,000 people, including campers and their families,enjoyed this spectacular, in-the-round live musical theaterperformance. Proceeds from the event benefit Camp Sunshine’s

Camp Sunshine Touched by Neverland Magic

“Those who bringsunshine to the livesof others cannot keepit from themselves.” – J.M. Barrie

Presenting SponsorThe Coca-Cola Company

Neverland SponsorAflac

Tinkerbell SponsorsRaceTrac

Georgia Power BNY Mellon Wealth Management

Lost Boys SponsorsEquifax

Kaufman Realty Group Kids ‘R’ Kids

MacKenzie Young AdvisorsGlenda and Mark Moreland

Betsy and Rod Odom Rooms To Go Children’s Fund

Diane and Randy Rowe Towersource

Printing, Design & Media SponsorsFitzgerald + Company

Graphic Solutions GroupAtlanta Journal Constitution

Special thanks to all of our High Flying Sponsors as well!

year-round programs for children with cancer and their families. Camp Sunshine is thrilled to have partnered with Presenting

Sponsor, The Coca-Cola Company, and the producers of Peter Pan to offer this extraordinary experience for our campers and theirfamilies. A huge thank-you and a sprinkling of pixie dust to all ofour generous sponsors for making this event possible. �

being with his foursiblings (Rylea, Simon,Charlie and Luke),Nolan started feelingsick and vomiting forno apparent reason. “At first the pediatri-cian thought that

maybe Nolan was stressed out because school was starting,” his mother recalled. “But then hestarted having headaches, too, in addition to thevomiting.”

Nolan was referred to a gastrointestinalspecialist. A CT scan revealed a tumor the size of agolf ball in the ventricle of the brain. Nolan under-went a seven-hour surgery at Children’s Healthcareat Scottish Rite, followed by a treatment protocolthat included radiation therapy at Emory UniversityHospital and chemotherapy at Egleston andScottish Rite. Additionally, he began intensiverehabilitation to regain essential skills, includinglearning to walk again.

Nolan’s recovery has been hard-fought. Hefinished chemotherapy in December, and his latest MRI showed no signs of cancer. “Slowly he isgetting better, and slowly we are seeing improve-

ment,” his mother commented. Although too sick last summer to

attend camp, Nolan had a taste of camplife with Camp Sunshine’s in-hospitalprogram, Sunshine 2 U. Together, thefamily attended Family Camp last fall.“That was my trial run to see how Nolanwould do and how I would like it,” hismother said. The verdict: “He loved it, I loved it, the whole family did!” Thechildren enjoyed the paddle boats andarts & crafts. “They also loved staying

in the camp cabins,” she said. “It was exciting toexperience something so different. It was awelcome break from the doctor appointments,clinic appointments and the routine.”

His mother admits to being “a little nervous”about letting Nolan go to summer camp on his own:“But I know that they have a medical team on thescene. It gives me security.” She also appreciatesthat Nolan will experience new activities and makenew friends: “I just love what Camp Sunshine isdoing for these kids, and I want that for Nolan.” �

revealed abnormali-ties. Morgan was taken to Children’sHealthcare at Scottish Rite, wherethe diagnosis wasconfirmed.

While in thehospital, Morgan and

her family (including her mother, her father Danny and her younger sister April) were introduced to CampSunshine. “It’s a wonderful connection you make withpeople who help to steady you,” Missy said. Morganfirst attended Camp Sunshine’s Spring Teen Retreat.“When it was time for Summer Camp, I thought if thisis anything like Teen Retreat, this will be great — but it was even 10 times better!”

Morgan enjoyed a range of camp activities.Despite having lost 30 pounds and tremendous musclemass in her legs, she made it to the top of the pamperpole: “It was really scary, but mentally I was daringmyself to do it. It was a struggle, but I made it.”

Morgan has this advice for first-time campers: “I would absolutely go for it. At Camp Sunshine,everybody is so accepting and nonjudgmental. It is an amazing life-changing experience.”

Nolan Blake: Ready for a Hard-won BreakAfter almost 18 months of hospital stays, radiationtreatments, chemotherapy and clinic visits, 8-year-old Nolan is looking forward to a week of rockclimbing, water sports and, most especially, fishing.“He hasn’t actually started packing yet,” said hismother Brittany. “But he is looking forward to campvery much.”

This summer should be quite a contrast from 2009when life took a sudden, drastic change for the Blakes,who live in Griffin. Normally a healthy child who loves

C A M P S U N S H I N E P O S T C A R D S 5

First-timers and Returning Campers Gear Up for Summer Fun, continued from page 1

TEEN WEEKJune 26 – July 1Ages 13-18

JUNIOR WEEKJuly 3 – 8Ages 7 -12

Start planning now!

I love to give back to the organi-zation that gave so much to me.. .camp is my passion and my“battery charger” for the year.

This program changes so manylives and being able to see andexperience this while playing just a small part is an honor and privilege.

The campers, of course!

I love that I’ve been able to experience those memoriesoutside the hospital walls with thepatients and staff who I work withevery day.

Being a volunteer has shown me the amazing ways that thesekids push through their lives everyday. Camp Sunshine kids knowhow to work together and helpeach other out.

Honestly, there is no better feelingthan giving back to an organiza-tion that has already given me somuch.

It’s the best place on earth!

Counselors Respond: Why Do You Want To

Return To Summer Camp?


SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

M A Y 2 0 1 1

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J U N E 2 0 1 1

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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For any House programs, we ask that you RSVP to 404-325-7979

Pre-SchoolMusic Class


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Family Night

Sunshine 2 U at AFLAC CancerCenter/Egleston

New CamperOrientation atCamp SunshineHouse

Pre-School Music Class


Staff Orientationfor SummerCamp

Young AdultProgram at CTLWill-A-Way

NE GeorgiaRegionalProgram

Washington DC Trip For TeensRemembering the SunshineFamily Night

Remembering the SunshineFamily Night

Spa Sydell Night

Office Closed

Teen SummerCamp at CampTwin Lakes

KeencheefooneeRoad Race CampTwin Lakes

Sunshine 2 U atScottish Rite


SeasonalSunshine BINGOat Camp Sunshine House

Sunshine 2 U atAFLAC CancerCenter/Scottish Rite

FAMILY NIGHT3rd Sunday of each month.5:30 – 6:20 Dinner6:30 – 7:20 Groups meetingsCall to RSVPMeet and share dinner with otherfamilies affected by pediatric cancer.Following dinner, groups will meet toshare, encourage, support and learnfrom others in similar situations.Parents will meet, teens will gatherand school age children will gettogether. Childcare is available forthose under 5.

ONGOING PROGRAMS

May 16, September 12, and November 14, 20116:00-8:00 PMCall to RSVPCome have dinner and be pampered by the talented professionals from Spa Sydell.

SPA SYDELL NIGHTAT CAMP SUNSHINE

2nd and 4th Wednesday each month12:15 PM – 1:45 PMCall to RSVPJoin us for lunch, music class and afun activity! For campers birth – 6years of age and their preschool agesiblings.

PRESCHOOL MUSIC CLASS


J U L Y 2 0 1 1

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

A U G U S T 2 0 1 1

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For any House programs, we ask that you RSVP to 404-325-7979


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SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT1 2

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Family Night


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Family Night

Sibling Campat Camp TwinLakes

Hit a HomeRun

September 9-10, 2011Annual Yard Sale at CampSunshine House

September 17, 2011Wild Adventures

September 30-October 2, 2011Remember the SunshineWeekend at Camp Twin Lakes

October 14-16, 2011Family Camp at Camp Twin Lakes

October 21-23, 2011Family Camp at Camp Twin Lakes

October 30, 2011 Fall Festival

November 8, 2011Seasonal Sunshine ThanksgivingDinner at Camp Sunshine House

November 18-20, 2011Teen Retreat at Camp Twin Lakes

December 11, 2011Holiday Party at Camp SunshineHouse

SAVE THESE DATES

REGIONAL PROGRAMMING

Remembering the SunshineFamily Night

SeasonalSunshine atCamp SunshineHouse

KeencheefooneeRoad Race at CTL

Sunshine 2 U atAFLAC CancerCenter/Egleston

Junior SummerCamp at CampTwin Lakes

Camp Sunshine continues to provideregional programming. We will now provide programs in all areas ofthe state in addition to programs inthe metro Atlanta area. Check ourwebsite www.mycampsunshine.com,the newsletter and your mail forprograms coming to your area.

Sunshine 2 U at AFLAC CancerCenter/ScottishRite


UPCOMING SPECIALEVENT

Keencheefoonee Road RaceJune 28 and July 5 at SummerCampSupport your favorite volunteer orcamper team for Camp Sunshine’sown 5K road race! For more informa-tion go to www.mycampsunshine.kintera.org/roadrace2011.

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1850 Clairmont RoadDecatur, GA 30033

404-325-7979www.mycampsunshine.com

NON PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDATLANTA, GAPERMIT # 1156

®

8

Camp Sunshine Postcards is published three times annually

for friends and supporters ofCamp Sunshine.

Cathy and Dave Graves of Watkinsville havevolunteered at Camp Sunshine Summer CampWeek for a combined 36 years. An oncologynurse with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta,Cathy started as a Summer Camp volunteer in 1991. Dave, Senior Associate Director ofAdmission at University of Georgia, began in1993, a year after he and Cathy were married.In all their years together, they have missedcamp only twice: when their son Mitchell wasborn in 1997 and their daughter Amelia wasborn in 1999.

The couple met as students at ClemsonUniversity. Early in her career, Cathy wasdrawn to camp for a special reason: “It was anopportunity to be with the children I saw atthe hospital in an entirely different environ-ment – to be with them, play with them, andnot be doing anything medical.” Her week atcamp is “like a booster shot” that inspires herthroughout the year.

In the early years, Dave supervisedarchery: “I got to work with all the kids andhelp them try something that, for many ofthem, they never tried before.” Now bothCathy and Dave are Cabin Counselors duringJunior Week. “It’s a great age,” Cathy said.

Cathy and Dave Graves:“Sharing Something Really Special”

“The campers still want to spend time withyou; they’re still kids.” “It’s just a real joy as a Cabin Counselor to get to know the kidsbetter and help them figure out what theywant to do or accomplish,” Dave added.

He remembers a camper who was legallyblind and whose goals were to ride a bicycleand go kayaking. “The kayaking went prettysmoothly,” Dave recalled. “But the bike ridingwas really a challenge.” The solution was abike procession – with the camper in themiddle, camp staffers in the front and Davein the back. “He made it the entire wayaround camp,” Dave said. “That was a big partof camp that week for him, and for me.”

For the Graves, Camp Sunshine is truly a family affair. They introduced their childrenat a very young age to what camp is all about. One year the children dedicated theirbirthday party to Camp Sunshine. “They wereallowed to invite as many friends as theywanted, and instead of birthday presentseveryone was asked to make a donation toCamp Sunshine,” Cathy recalled. They raised$600. “At first I wondered if they would misstheir presents, but no, they loved it.” Mitchell

V O L U N T E E R S P O T L I G H T

and Amelia spend a week with their grand-parents while Cathy and Dave are at camp.They aspire to be volunteer counselors themselves one day.

Cathy and Dave have chaperoned theTeen Trip to Washington, D.C., the whitewater rafting trip and other activities. Dave is instrumental in “College Night” at CampSunshine House, helping campers and their parents with questions and concernsabout the college application and admissionprocess.

The Graves enjoy seeing their youngcampers grow up and move on to college and career. Dave knows a sophomore at UGAwho “married” him on Carnival Night severalyears ago at camp. Cathy remembers a youngman, now at medical school, who once playedthe Budweiser frog in the talent show: “Hisbiggest talent was burping.”

The Graves love doing their volunteercommitment together. “To us, camp is something really special that we get toshare,” Cathy said. “To be able to talk about it with someone who shared the experience is just great.”�

spring 2011 childhood cancer volume 9 • number 1 ......first-timers and returning campers gear up...

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