When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it changes the trajectory of their family’s life. Fifteen-year-old Ella never imagined she would experience those challenges first-hand, “I never really knew how much cancer can impact not just the patient, but their family, friends, and neighbors.” But once she adjusted to a new normal after her sister’s cancer diagnosis, she reflects, “Some good things come out of bad things though, I get to attend Camp Goodtimes where I’ve made life-long friends who have gone through similar situations I have. It’s like a home to me.”
Ella’s family at one of our family retreats.
Camp Goodtimes, and all the programs offered by The Goodtimes Project, offer caring spaces where cancer patients and siblings, are able to foster friendships and embrace the joys of childhood. It is thanks to the support of our generous community that we are able to offer these opportunities to connect. Join us by making a donation today and send a ripple of hope, love, and joy to families, like Ella’s, who have been impacted by childhood cancer.
Ella (right) and a new friend at the carnival during her first year at camp.
Ella first attended Camp Goodtimes as an eight-year-old. “What I remember most from my first summer was the friendships I made, and learning about what other people had gone through and how cancer affected them in different ways.”
About a year earlier, Ella’s younger sister, Reese, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and her life was turned upside down. Suddenly, her parents spent their time at the hospital, her grandparents were living at her house, and instead of playing barbie and dress-up with her two-year-old sister, she was visiting her at the hospital.
“I remember the day I found out my sister had cancer. My mom and dad called me up to their bedroom, and as I sat on their bed in between them, they told me Reese was very sick. I remember crying while my mom read books about what cancer was and how it would affect Reese and our entire family. I was terrified that my sister was going to die. That’s when I realized my grandparents had come over to watch me while my mom and dad took my little sister to the hospital—because my little sister had cancer.”
Having a supportive community is crucial when going through crisis, and The Goodtimes Project works to amplify a family’s existing support systems to further strengthen their broader community of hope, love, and joy.
Ella remembers her 2nd grade teacher making a slideshow so her classmates could learn more about cancer. Her gymnastic coaches hosted fundraisers, and even ordered lime green leotards—for the green non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer ribbon—with “Team Reese” on them. When Reese was able to return home, “There were so many people standing outside our driveway: neighbors, friends, and family. They were wearing ‘Team Reese’ shirts and holding up ‘welcome home’ signs. That meant a lot to my family.”
But once Ella attended Camp Goodtimes, she was able to talk about her experience as a sibling and open up about things that other campers understood. “I feel so much different at camp than I do when I’m not there. I can be myself, not feel like I’m being judged, and have fun and express myself in different ways.”
Not only does The Goodtimes Project create opportunities for connection with other families, it provides an avenue for siblings to reconnect and bond. Once Reese was old enough to attend Camp Goodtimes, Ella reflects on how being there together made a difference in their relationship, “I got to hear about Reese’s experience with cancer and learn things that I didn’t already know about her. Over this past year, Reese and I have gotten way closer, and talk and understand each other more.”
Ella at camp this summer.
“The Goodtimes Project has made a major impact in my life. The people I’ve met are lifelong friends, and it has brought me closer to my little sister. Going to camp shows me the importance of kindness, love, and being there for people. I’ve made so many meaningful memories, and it holds a special place in my heart. [The Goodtimes community] has always been there for me, as well as my sister. I hope that every kid [who has cancer or is a sibling] can go to Camp Goodtimes and has the best time of their lives.”
As another impactful year at The Goodtimes Project comes to a close, we ask you to consider making a year-end gift. Will you help us continue creating safe spaces for kids like Ella and Reese to connect and embrace the joys of childhood?
Ways to Give
Mail us a check or contribute via your donor-advised fund
Please make checks payable to The Goodtimes Project.
7400 Sand Point Way NE #101S
Seattle, WA 98115
Tax ID #: 46-2489916