SPRING 2010 Make the Sunshine Last From Loss, Volunteer Finds RaceTrac Brews Up Volume 8 • Number 1 Have you ever considered a Purpose Longtime and well-loved Fundraiser RaceTrac’s legacy gift to Camp Sunshine? counselor Marc Tardiff lost his “Coffee for a Cause” perked A Publication for Families and By including camp in your brother to cancer many years up year-end giving to Camp Friends of Camp Sunshine – estate planning now you can ago. He finds purpose in his Sunshine as customers Programs for Children with Cancer extend your support for years commitment as a Camp purchased coffee that tastes to come. Page 2 Sunshine volunteer. Page 3 good…and does good. Page 4 CAMPSUNSHINEPOSTCARDS

Helpful Programs Await New Families At Any Time of Year Summer Camp might be the largest and best known Camp Sunshine program, but it is only one of many programs offered throughout the year for children with cancer and their families. A family doesn’t have to wait for summer camp to take part in a program that could help their child now. As Program Director Terri Sexton, LMSW, points out, every family is unique and can set their own pace about participating in camp programs. This is the story of how the Farrell family of Suwanee stepped into the Sunshine.

n February 2009, soccer standout Jordyn Farrell started doctors found more tumors. Jordyn began chemotherapy. On Iexperiencing exhaustion, fevers, and a swollen abdomen. October 30th, she had her last chemotherapy. Her most recent Just days before her 16th CT scans and ultrasounds have birthday, Jordyn was diag- shown no evidence of new nosed with a germ cell cancer growth. tumor of the abdomen, a While the journey has rare condition in children been extremely difficult, the and teens. At Children’s Farrells, including parents Healthcare of at Nick and Cherri and all three Scottish Rite, she under- daughters, have found solace went surgery to remove a in Camp Sunshine. Jordyn first tumor the size of a basket- learned about camp while ball. With the cancer in undergoing chemotherapy. remission, Jordyn finished First she attended Camp the school year at North Sunshine’s college admissions Gwinnett High, where her counseling meeting with her twin sisters, Brenna and “The atmosphere is so open and honest dad. They both liked what Kaelyn, two years younger that you feel safe to talk about your they saw and heard. This gave than Jordyn, also attend. experience. But the conversations Jordyn the confidence to try In August, however, don’t have to be just about cancer.” Teen Group North, which exhaustion set in again and – Jordyn Farrell, camper meets the second Wednesday at her six-month checkup, of each month in Johns Creek Continued on Page 5 2 CAMPSUNSHINEPOSTCARDS

RaceTrac’s highly successful “Coffee for a Cause” epito- mizes creative giving. RaceTrac CEO Carl Bolch, Jr. and his wife Susan are longtime supporters of Camp Sunshine and OUR MISSION both serve on the Board of Directors. When they learned STATEMENT donations were down due to the economy, they launched a Camp Sunshine enriches creative fundraising campaign tied to the sales of RaceTrac’s the lives of children with popular coffee. Who knew a cup of joe could not only taste cancer and their families good, but also do good? We also salute the sponsors of through recreational, DEARCAMPSUNSHINEFRIENDS, Camp Sunshine Day at Big Apple Circus. Our campers and educational and support families are positively enthralled by the creative force of programs allowing them to Creative giving is a term that is used a lot today. In fact, if this unique circus; the generous giving of our sponsors share similar experiences you google creative giving, you’ll find close to 49 million makes the magic possible. and to participate in results! Basically, creative giving refers to unique, individual The creative giving of time and talent is one of the activities that promote ways that people give to a cause or organization near and greatest gifts an individual can offer our campers and their normal childhood dear to their hearts. It means thinking outside the box and families. Our Volunteer Spotlight tells of Marc Tardif’s dedi- development as they giving in an inspired manner. cation to camp. From loss, Marc has found great purpose in cope with the challenges The term may be popular right now, but at Camp his volunteer efforts, and now it is a true family affair, as of childhood cancer. Sunshine creative giving has always been in style. Marc’s father, JP, also joins in. In this edition, we also Throughout 27 years, the giving spirit has taken countless outline another type of creative giving — how you can give forms as friends, volunteers and donors continually come up even beyond your lifetime by remembering Camp Sunshine with innovative, meaningful ways to support our programs. with a legacy gift. This edition of Postcards is brimming with examples. Continued on Page 4

MOVING? Lasting Sunshine: Consider Camp in Your Estate Planning Have you moved Twenty-seven years ago, Camp Sunshine Founder Dorothy Make Camp Sunshine a Part of Your Legacy recently? Are you Jordan, then a pediatric nurse caring for children with chronic Children with cancer need programs that offer love, about to move? Do we illness, had an idea: why not organize a summer camp week support, fun, acceptance and hope. By planning and acting need to change your for children with cancer? From a one-week outing for 44 today, you can ensure your continued support of camp mailing address? children, Camp Sunshine has grown to a year-round program programs for years to come. A planned gift through your Contact Chanteasea@ touching the lives of more than 900 families across the state. will or trust will have lasting influence on campers and their mycampsunshine.com It takes vision, planning and action to make a dream families. Moreover, planned giving can offer tax advantages or call 404-325-7979, come true. Your ongoing support is vital, as we expand our and benefit your family’s financial future. ext. 10. programs and reach out to more and more children in , Talk to your personal adviser, and contact Sally Hale at and your annual gifts are deeply appreciated. In fact, we [email protected] or 404-325-7979. Your couldn’t do what we do without you. But have you ever response will be kept strictly confidential. Your foresight considered extending your support into the future by will bring lasting sunshine to campers and their families. including Camp Sunshine in your estate and long-term Please take a moment to complete and return this form financial planning? for our records.

Dear Camp Sunshine, អ I have included Camp Sunshine in my will or other planned giving arrangements. អ I am interested in learning more. Please contact me.

Name ______

Address ______City ______State ______Zip ______

Daytime phone ______Evening phone ______E-mail ______Return to: Sally Hale, Executive Director, Camp Sunshine, 1850 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033 CAMPSUNSHINEPOSTCARDS 3

VOLUNTEERSPOTLIGHT

From Loss, Marc Tardif Finds Purpose

A longtime and well-loved cabin tural engineering and returned there counselor, Marc lost his younger for his MBA. He worked for years in brother to cancer many years ago. construction management and now is Marc was a student at the University tackling a research and development of Georgia when David died at the age project which takes him to San Antonio of 18. “David really got involved with five days a week, returning to his camp,”Marc recalled. “First, he went home in Atlanta on the weekends. It is on the Teen Trip to Washington, D.C. a demanding schedule, yet Marc finds and loved it. Then he went to Summer time to volunteer not only for Summer Camp.”As a means of support and Camp but also for many other Camp connection, Camp Sunshine played an Sunshine activities, including Sibling important role for the whole family. Camp weekend, Remember the One year after David died, Marc “I can’t imagine not Sunshine weekend and Teen Retreat applied to be a counselor at Camp going to camp every weekend. Sunshine. Today, 15 Summer Camps year and being part “A prerequisite for my job has (not to mention innumerable other of this.” always been that I get a week off for volunteer positions) later, Marc is as – Marc Tardif Summer Camp,”he said. In college, much a part of a camp as friendship Marc painted houses in the summer bracelets. “When I first started volun- moving up with the boys every year. and could more easily take off. When teering, I never thought that I’d be When the boys reached 18, Marc and he landed his first full-time job, his doing this every year—I never thought Scott hit their stride. “I like that age employer was somewhat hesitant that far ahead,”he said. “But now I group,”Marc said. “I like how quickly about giving him time off for camp. never doubt it; I can’t imagine not they can go from being the guys who When Marc returned and showed his going to camp every year and being are too cool to socialize with anybody employer a camp yearbook and part of this.” in the dining hall to the guys who, by brochure, his employer “got it” and Early on, Marc was paired with the end of the week, are leading has since been very supportive of Scott Pettite as cabin co-counselors everybody in the conga line.” Marc’s volunteer work. for 13-year-olds boy. They enjoyed Marc graduated from UGA in 1996 Marc enjoys running, hiking, their group so much that they kept with a bachelor’s degree in agricul- biking and snowboarding, but his real passion is his volunteer work. His favorite camp activity is the gradua- tion night and bonfire: “It’s a quieter time, when everybody gets a chance to really talk with each other, share stories and just remember all the fun they’ve had together.”Another high- light is that for the past several summers his Camp Sunshine family has included his father, JP, who volun- teers at the horse barn. “It is great to see him there,”Marc said. “It rein- forces what camp has meant to my family.”2 4 CAMPSUNSHINEPOSTCARDS

COMMUNITYPARTNER

RaceTrac’s “Coffee for a Cause”Perks Up Giving

Camp Sunshine salutes RaceTrac gasoline to their exceptional response, RaceTrac raised more than 140 and convenience stores for brewing a percent of its original $20,000 goal. highly successful, year-end campaign “Even in times of economic uncertainty, children with which raised more than $28,500 for camp cancer require programs that offer them love, support, fun programs. From December 21-23, all and acceptance,”said. Mr. Bolch. “We thank our loyal guests proceeds from RaceTrac’s coffee sales at for expressing their generosity and helping us to support this its Georgia locations were donated to very worthy cause.” Camp Sunshine during “Coffee for a “We are very grateful for this donation and for the Cause.” awareness the campaign brings to Camp Sunshine,”said Sally RaceTrac CEO Carl Bolch, Jr. and his Hale, Executive Director. “RaceTrac stepped up to the plate, wife Susan are 25-year supporters of giving children with cancer the gift of sunshine. This gift will Camp Sunshine and both serve on the have a major impact on the lives of our campers in 2010.” Board of Directors. When donations to RaceTrac’s generosity touched other organizations as camp slowed in 2009 due to the well, setting off a chain reaction of giving. Radio spots economy, these Camp Sunshine advo- encouraging customer to participate aired free of charge on cates took action. Capitalizing on the 790 The Zone each day of the promotion. RaceTrac supplier popularity of the coffee sold at RaceTrac Colonial Coffee Roasters, Inc. donated enough coffee to stores statewide, they launched “Coffee for a Cause.” make 10,000 cups of its finest brew. Their gift made it Fun signage, featuring Camp Sunshine’s mission state- possible for 100 percent of the proceeds to go toward Camp ment along with a hip Santa in cool shades and holding a Sunshine. “We truly believe that Camp Sunshine is a great RaceTrac cup of coffee, was prominently displayed cause,”said Rafael Acevedo of Colonial Coffee Roasters. “We throughout the stores to remind RaceTrac customers of the welcome the opportunity to bring comfort to the children and opportunity to give. Customers embraced the idea and, due families affiliated with this group.”2

Go Green with Camp Sunshine Dear Camp Sunshine Friends, continued from page 2 Who says it isn’t easy being green? Camp Sunshine is taking It is this giving of time, talent and treasure that a few simple steps to reduce our eco-footprint and you can enables us to offer our year-round programs for children help. Our 2010 Summer Camp application is now available with cancer and their families. Families do not have to wait on-line. Visit www.mycampsunhine.com and click on the until summer camp to take part in programs that can help download. Please fax, e-mail or mail completed applica- their children today. And speaking of creative giving, we tions by May 13th to hold your camper’s place. Dates for thank the Farrell family — Nick, Cherri, Jordyn, and twins this year’s Summer Camp weeks are: Brenna and Kaeyln — for sharing the story of how they as a family have stepped into the warming rays of Camp Teen Week (13-18 years old) June 13 – 19 Sunshine. Junior Week (7-12 years old) June 20-25 With all this focus on creative giving, let me remind you that traditional giving also is as important as ever to Also, be sure to join Camp Sunshine’s e-mail list and stay the mission and purpose of Camp Sunshine. Your gift of on top of all the latest Camp Sunshine happenings through $500 supports a child for one week at Summer Camp. our regular e-mail blasts. To register, visit the Web site and Please give as generously as possible. For all the ways follow the quick instructions. Being green has never been you give — creatively, traditionally and always from the easier! 2 heart — we are grateful. – Sally Hale, Executive Director CAMPSUNSHINEPOSTCARDS 5

Helpful Programs Await New Families At Any Time of Year, continued from page 1

““At Camp Sunshine, every- HOW IS A FAMILY thing is low-key. You talk if you INTRODUCED TO CAMP want to talk and don’t talk if SUNSHINE? you don’t want to. There is no Generally, Camp Sunshine representa- pressure. And somehow you tives, including Program Directors end up learning so many little Michele Rothstein and Terri Sexton, things to help your child and LMSW, meet up with families in the yourself on this journey.” oncology clinics at the hospitals in – Cherri Farrell, Jordyn’s mother Georgia which treat children with cancer: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta “I absolutely loved Teen Group North, and information. Every time, we walk out with a new at Scottish Rite and Egleston, and now I go every month” Jordyn said. “I was nervous piece of information to help our child.” Backus Children’s Hospital in Savannah. at first because I was the new kid entering into an “You feel you are part of a larger family and “The first meeting often takes place established group, but I was welcomed with open part of a huge support network,”Cherri added. “You arms and have become friends with several of the end up doing a lot of laughing; it is so much better when a child is newly diagnosed, a campers. All the campers I have met are the than crying. But crying is OK, too, if that’s what you tumultuous and overwhelming time for sweetest, most loving people ever.” need to do.” the family,”Terri said. Thus, Camp Jordyn has since participated in the Teen The Farrells appreciate that their younger Sunshine is grateful to the hospital Lock-in and Dance, Spa Sydell Nights, the Big daughters’ needs are also considered at Camp professional staffs for reaching out to Apple Circus Day, the Gwinnett Gladiators game Sunshine. “Brenna and Kaelyn were having a very and following up with patients and and more. But her favorite activity is Family Night, tough time, because they are very close to Jordyn. families about camp program. “Each held the third Sunday of each month: “It is so They are close as sisters, and they are best friends,” incredibly laid back, and you feel you can talk their mother said. She knows that camp programs family is unique,”Terri said. “Some about practically anything with the campers and have become important to the younger girls jump at the chance to participate; other people in the room.” because, even though at least one sister was hesi- others need time to warm up to the Her parents and sisters share her enthusiasm tant about participating at first, they now all put idea.”She suggests trying a program or for Camp Sunshine programs and activities. “We’re Family Night on their personal monthly agendas. activity for the whole family and seeing not normally an extroverted family,”said her The Farrells also enjoy Camp Sunshine family how each member likes it. For a mother Cherri. “We like to spend time together outings. “We haven’t had a normal year,”Nick complete listing of Camp Sunshine and enjoy each other’s company. But Jordyn commented. “But events like the Big Apple Circus? started the ball rolling with her Teen Group North, It’s like normal family time. For a couple of hours at programs, see the calendar listing on and we are all so glad she did.” least, you don’t have to be concerned with other pages 6-7 of Postcards or check the “She came out of that very first teen meeting things. You can just relax, have fun and be a family Web site at www.mycampsunhine.com. recharged and with the energy she hadn’t had in for awhile.” awhile,”her father added. It inspired the entire With Summer Camp approaching, Jordyn is family to attend Camp Sunshine’s Family Night. “incredibly excited.”“I have never seen Camp Twin “Family Night works for us, because it spans Lakes, but I have heard so many amazing things “Camp Sunshine across the entire spectrum of needs—the camper’s, about it! I am most looking forward to meeting new provides steps to help the parents’ and the siblings’,”her father said. “As people and getting to know my friends better,”she a family, what we are going through might not said. In the meantime, she is busy with school and her gain it back. We seem normal, but at Family Night, we find it to be soccer practice. She also finds herself reaching out are happy to let her a normal state. Everybody there has a child who is to others. She participated in Relay for Life and has participate and experience sick and everybody is going through this horrific connected with a teen recently diagnosed with a this independence.” process. The commonality brings people brain tumor. Jordyn wants her to give Camp – Cherri Farrell, Jordyn’s mother together…it’s a place to talk to others, to share Sunshine a try.2 6 CAMPSUNSHINEPOSTCARDS

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

ONGOINGPROGRAMS M A Y 2 0 1 0 FAMILY NIGHT SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT 3rd Sunday of each month. 1 5:30 – 6:20 Dinner 6:30 – 7:20 Groups meetings Call to RSVP Meet and share dinner with other 2 345 67 8 Washington DC Trip For Teens families affected by pediatric cancer. Sunshine 2 U Remembering Following dinner, groups will meet to at AFLAC Cancer the Sunshine Center/Eglston share, encourage, support and learn Family Night 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 from others in similar situations. Sunshine 2 U Pre-School Staff Orientation Parents will meet, teens will gather at AFLAC Cancer Music Class for Summer Center/Scottish Camp and school age children will get Rite Teen Group North together. Childcare is available for 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 those under 5. Young Adult Spa Sydell Night Cookout TEEN GROUP Family Night TEEN GROUP NORTH meets the 2nd 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Wednesday of each month in Johns Seasonal Pre-School Creek from 6:00 – 7:30 PM Sunshine Music Class

TEEN GROUP meets the 4th Thursday 30 31 of each month at Camp Sunshine House from 6:00 – 7:30 PM Call to RSVP For 13 – 18 year olds who are J U N E 2 0 1 0 currently on treatment or were diag- nosed as a teen. Meet, hang out and SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT get support from other teens who 1234 5 New Camper Remembering have or have had cancer. Dinner is Orientation at the Sunshine served at all groups. Camp Sunshine Family Night House 678910 11 12 Pre-School SPA SYDELL NIGHT Music Class AT CAMP SUNSHINE Teen Group North 2nd Monday each month 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 6:00-8:00 PM Teen Summer Camp at Camp Twin Lakes Come have dinner and be pampered by the talented professionals from Sunshine 2 U at AFLAC Cancer Center/Scottish Rite Spa Sydell. 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Junior Summer Camp at Camp Twin Lakes Sunshine 2 U at AFLAC Cancer Center/Egleston PRESCHOOL MUSIC CLASS

2nd and 4th Wednesday each month 27 28 29 30 12:15 PM – 1:45 PM Join us for lunch, music class and a fun activity! For campers birth – 6 years of age and their preschool age siblings. CAMPSUNSHINEPOSTCARDS 7

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

JULY 2 0 1 0 SAVE THESE DATES

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT September Wild Adventures 123 October 1-3 Family Camp at Camp Twin Lakes October 8-10 45678910 Teen Outdoor Leadership Excursion Family Camp at Camp Twin Lakes Sunshine 2 U at AFLAC Cancer October 15-17 Center/Eglston Remember the Sunshine 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Weekend Spa Sydell Night Sunshine 2 U Pre-School at AFLAC Cancer Music Class November 12-14 Center/Scottish Teen Retreat Rite Teen Group North 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Savannah Teen Group UPCOMINGSPECIAL Regional Program EVENTS Family Night May 22 Bike ride with 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Pre-School Plant Wansley in Roopville, GA Music Class June 5 Taste of the South in Washington, D.C. benefitting Camp Sunshine June 15 Keencheefoonee Road Race at teen week summer camp AUGUST 2 0 1 0 June 22 Keencheefoonee Road Race at SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT junior week summer camp 1234567 Sunshine 2 U Remembering September 11 at AFLAC Cancer the Sunshine Center/Eglston Family Night Pre-school apple orchard trip

8910 11 12 13 14 INDIVIDUALCOUNSELING Spa Sydell Night Sunshine 2 U Pre-School at AFLAC Cancer Music Class Camp Sunshine offers support and Center/Scottish Teen Group North counseling for children, teens and Rite young adults ages 5-23 regarding 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Family Night Sibling Camp illness-related issues and concerns. at Camp Twin Call Terri Sexton, LMSW, at 404- Lakes 325-7979 for details.

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Seasonal Pre-School Teen Group Teen Lock-In REGIONALPROGRAMMING Sunshine Music Class Camp Sunshine continues to provide regional programming. We will now 29 30 31 provide programs in all areas of the Hit-A-Home- state in addition to programs in the Run Metro Atlanta area. Checkout our website www.mycampsunshine.com, the newsletter and your mail for programs coming to your area. NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID ® ATLANTA, GA PERMIT # 1156

1850 Clairmont Road Decatur, GA 30033 404-325-7979 www.mycampsunshine.com

Camp Sunshine Postcards is published three times annually for friends and supporters of Camp Sunshine.

8 CAMPSUNSHINEPOSTCARDS

Families Enjoy a Bowlful of Bello At Camp Sunshine Day at Big Apple Circus

What better way to spend a Valentine’s Day afternoon than under a Big Top ringing with the sounds of belly laughs? More than 1,100 circus lovers, including 174 Camp Sunshine families, enjoyed breathtaking feats of humor by daredevil clown Bello at the sixth annual Camp Sunshine Day the Big Apple Circus on February 14th. The event raised close to $100,000 this year, bringing the six-year total raised for Camp Sunshine’s year-round programs to more than $530,000. A heartfelt thank-you to Mo Thrash, long-time friend to and champion of Camp Sunshine, for being a wonderful Honorary Ringmaster. Camp Sunshine salutes our sweetheart sponsors for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day of circus fun.2

PRESENTING SPONSOR RaceTrac The Coca-Cola Company ACROBATIC SPONSORS MEDIA SPONSORS Atlanta Journal-Constitution RINGMASTER SPONSOR Diaz Foods Fitzgerald + CO AFLAC Graphic Solutions Group Kaufman Realty Group Mind’s Eye Brooke and Stephen Ritchey CENTER RING SPONSORS Diane and Randolph Rowe Sincere thanks, too, to our Georgia Power Towersource Inc. many terrific Highwire The Odom Family Sponsors! We couldn’t do it without you.