Camp CARE

Camp CARE (Cancer Ain't Really the End) has been a HUGE part of my life for many, many years.  It is a week-long summer camp for children in the Charlotte, NC area who have, or have had, cancer and their siblings.  The organization also provides other year-round activities but the main one is the week of summer camp. 

I am a survivor of childhood cancer.  I was diagnosed at age 11 after surgery and went through 2 years of chemo treatments.  Camp CARE began as I was just finished with my last treatment.  It took me a few years to get involved and once I did I was hooked.  I began at age 15 and continued through my late 20's.  I still keep my foot in the door and volunteer with events as I can.  It will always be an important part of my life.

I met my BFF at Camp CARE the first year when we were 15.  I wish I had the capabilities to scan an old photo of us.  Here is one from last year when we visited Camp CARE to celebrate the 25th anniversary.  I am forever grateful that we met through Camp CARE.  We still share a wonderful friendship and are enjoying watching our children grow up together.   

During my years with Camp CARE I met another volunteer who eventually became my husband.  We spent several years working on camp stuff side by side until I got pregnant with our first child and I decided to step back.  Here is a picture of us when we visited Camp CARE last year. 



This morning my kids and I volunteered for Camp CARE...checking in the campers and loading all the luggage onto the buses.  A little piece of my heart went with them as the buses pulled out for the 2-hour drive to Lake Lure, NC. 
Here is my very favorite TV story about Camp CARE.  It's from 2007 from the Carolina Traveler, a local TV show.  Please take just a few minutes to watch the video clip and get just a little glimpse of what Camp CARE is all about...

To learn more about Camp CARE, please visit their website HERE.


And in honor of Camp CARE this week, I'm making Cookie Mush today!  It's a big deal to get this dessert at Camp CARE.  Go HERE for my recipe and post about one of my favorite treats.