"Cancer first struck our family when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I wanted to be there for her but did not know what to do. I am a fixer and I just wanted to know what I could do to fix this situation.
I asked my father, “What can I do?”
He said to me, “Just listen to her and be there”.
I did. And just by listening to my mother, our relationship changed.
We became closer and developed a new stronger relationship. Now 32 years later, my mother continues to be a cancer survivor. My father was diagnosed with colon cancer years later and is in remission. My mother and father are my heroes of hope and they continue to thrive and inspire to this day.
I first heard about Care Camps at an annual RV Industry event.
A compassionate speech from KOA executive Toby O’Rourke, combined with the power of the children’s personal stories, sparked a desire in me to be a part of this organization. I was raised in a strong and faith-oriented family. My family’s appreciation for the great outdoors and the many natural wonders the Lord has given us, was never more apparent than when our family went camping, and the pieces just fit.
On my way back to the office that very morning, I got started with our company’s connection to Care Camps. Later in our partnership, we held a fundraiser and invited Care Campers and their families to be honored during the event. An 11-year-old Care Camper named Bobby who had battled leukemia got up and spoke.
A cool kid under pressure being in the spotlight, Bobby ended his short impromptu speech by saying, so matter-of-factly, “You know what, heck, I guess I am just happy to still be alive”.
There is no greater reward than to serve your fellow man. This attitude of serving others is important to the culture and objectives at Wave Express in our daily business, and we are so proud to support this organization and these kids.
My hope is to continue to help bring more children and their families to the simple joys of the great outdoors, an appreciation for God’s natural wonders, the joy of new friendships and the joy of life."
The memories gifted to every child and their families by attending and experiencing these special oncology camps is something they will never forget.
We could not do this work without the generous support of partners and individual donors just like you. You make this happen. You create hope for these kids. And that makes you a hero.
Find out more at koacarecamps.org
1-800-678-9976