As we approach the end of another impactful year at The Goodtimes Project, we invite you into the world of one of our families. Goodtimes parent, Eileen, shares about her son’s diagnosis, how it affected their family, and the importance of finding a sense of community with The Goodtimes Project.
Eileen’s Story
Our family was living in South Africa when our son, Eli, was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of six. While the medical care there was adequate, the support system for families was non-existent. We found ourselves going it alone in so many ways, trying to find a balance of prioritizing Eli’s care and health while supporting his siblings through the trauma as best we could.
Upon diagnosis, our normal routines were abruptly derailed, affecting our entire family unit. We have three sons: our oldest, Otis, as well as Eli and his identical twin brother, Abe. Eli’s
diagnosis was tough on our whole family, but particularly traumatic for Abe. The pair went from never having been separated, to Eli being yanked out of the equation and into the hospital for several months, and many long stints to follow.
Eli is all smiles on the first day of camp
With our world turned upside down, we all developed a lot of anxiety—like we were tiptoeing across a high narrow ledge, and anyone could fall at any moment. There was no space to stop and relax or feel safe. Relocating to the US and being connected to a larger pediatric cancer community through The Goodtimes Project changed that.
When we first heard about The Goodtimes Project’s signature program, Camp Goodtimes, the idea of sending the boys to summer camp was almost like a dream. For Eli, it was something from the movies. For me, the thought that I could send him someplace where there would be staff to ensure his medical needs were taken care of, that his meds would be handled properly, and any signs of ill health would be noticed immediately and taken seriously, was like a small miracle.
Abe getting high-fives in the gauntlet
And the time away from that duty as a parent—even though Eli was only on maintenance chemo at that point—was a huge relief. When you’re a cancer parent, you tend to live by a series of alarms for medications that need to be dispensed. To have a break from that rigor was a tremendous gift.
One of the wonderful aspects of The Goodtimes Project is that they offer opportunities to stay connected, not just at summer camp, but throughout the year. Christmas is so filled with wonder for us, and part of our Christmas tradition includes Argosy’s Holiday Cruise for Goodtimes. The lights and the music are magical, and always such a poignant reminder of how fortunate we are to have our health and to be part of the Goodtimes community here in Seattle that supports us and our kids.
Pediatric cancer families all know that the road can be long and hard for these kiddos—even once they’re off treatment—with the potential for long-lasting effects, and the thought of secondary cancers looming in the background. For much of Eli’s treatment in South Africa, we didn’t have a support system or safe opportunities to have fun, but we are so thankful to have discovered The Goodtimes Project and all the wonderful programs they offer as we navigate the road ahead.
No family should feel alone during or after their child’s cancer journey, and The Goodtimes Project creates safe spaces for families to connect all year long.
Eileen and her family choose to donate to our organization. When we asked her what inspired them to give back, she shared: “our entire family’s wellbeing has benefited from The Goodtimes Project, and it feels right to pay that forward.”
As 2023 comes to a close, we ask you to consider making a gift to The Goodtimes Project. Will you help more families like Eileen’s experience a community of hope, love, and joy?
Ways to Give
Mail us a check
Please make checks payable to The Goodtimes Project.
7400 Sand Point Way NE #101S
Seattle, WA 98115