CHOOSE A HOLIDAY GIFT THAT TRULY INSPIRES

Honor friends and loved ones this holiday season with a gift that shows you care...every single day. Purchase a brick or stone paver and add a permanent message of hope to our Brick Walkway at Camp Sunshine House.

Located adjacent to our play- ground, the walkway and plaza are an important, special and lasting part of our landscaping. Pay tribute to someone whose life has been touched by Camp Sunshine, while supporting our year-round programs. Complete this order form and mail with your check (payable to Camp Sunshine) to: Camp Sunshine, 1850 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033.

12 x 12 Natural Stone Paver 12 x 12 Natural Stone Paver with Camp Sunshine Logo

8 x 8 Brick Paver

4 x 8 Brick Paver 8 CAMP SUNSHINE POSTCARDS

COMMUNITY PARTNER SALUTE

NFL Players Form Circle of Friends To Help Kids with Cancer Atlanta Falcon Austin King holds a special place in the Working with player-partners in a number of NFL cities, heart of Camp Sunshine families. The 6-ft., 3-in. 288- the Circle of Friends offers programs for kids, ages 8-16, pound center is Atlanta’s representative in a caring who have cancer or blood disorders. organization called the Wunsch Family Foundation. One of the most popular is the Winter Week trip Through its Circle of to Wunsch’s hometown of Wausau, Wisconsin, for an Friends program, unforgettable time of downhill skiing, dog sledding, the foundation gives snowmobiling, horse-drawn sleigh rides and, most NFL players the especially, peer bonding. opportunity to cham- Through his commitment and financial support, pion activities for King is the Falcons player who helps make it possible for children with cancer Camp Sunshine campers to enjoy the program. Camp and blood disorders. Sunshine campers Ongie, Priya, Dave and Stephen, are Based in Tampa, among those who have experienced the Circle of Friends’ Florida, Circle of warm embrace. They joined kids from nine other NFL Friends was started cities who made the Wausau journey. several years ago by “Our goal is to increase self-esteem and self- NFL player Jerry Wunsch, then a Tampa Bay Buccaneer confidence for the kids, while promoting growth through and now a Seattle Seahawk. In his senior year at the self-discovery and experiences,” said Michelle Pierson, University of Wisconsin, Wunsch lost a young cousin to Executive Director of the Wunsch Family Foundation. cancer and made a promise to himself to help children The organization’s mission is very much in keeping with cancer and chronic blood disorders. As he started with Camp Sunshine’s, Pierson noted, making the two his NFL career, Wunsch was introduced to Children’s organizations strong partners. “Kids come away from Cancer Center in Tampa and saw a way to make his Winter Week knowing I am not so different; I am not promise a reality. alone; I am not facing this struggle by myself,” she Jerry and his wife Melissa created the Wunsch said. For more information on the program, visit Family Foundation, and the Circle of Friends was born. www.wunschfamilyfoundation.org.2

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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. WINTER 2006 Scott’s Story Scott reflects Big Apple Circus Returns Winning Formation Atlanta Volume 4 • Number 3 on how his battle 20 years Ladies and gentlemen, boys Falcon Austin King and ago with cancer, his survival and girls! Step right up for other NFL players form the A Publication for Families and and triumph have influenced Camp Sunshine Day at the Wunsch Family Foundation’s Friends of Camp Sunshine – his life. Page 3 Big Apple Circus. Page 5 Circle of Friends to help Programs for Children with Cancer kids with cancer. Page 8 CAMPPOSTCARDS SUNSHINE

Preschoolers Feel the Warmth of Camp Sunshine Programs t is a crisp, sunny morning at Camp Sunshine William, age 2, first visited Music Class last year. IHouse, and six precious preschoolers – an assort- “I really had no idea what to expect,” April recalled. Programs for ment of moms, dads and siblings in tow – scoot into “As soon as we walked through the door, I felt Young Children the playroom ready for Music Class to begin. Several embraced by a family. Ann Baker (Camp Sunshine Children don’t have to children are baldheaded Program Coordinator) is wait until they are old from chemotherapy drugs particularly special to us, enough for Summer Camp and some say outright that because she was the first to experience the warmth they are not feeling well person we met at the house. of Camp Sunshine. Plenty today. But when the Isabella acts like Ann is a of programs are available teacher takes out her guitar movie star. Every time we for even the youngest and starts gently singing see her, Isabella smiles and children facing cancer and an old folk song, smiles whispers, Look, there she is.” their families. light up the playroom like Music Class opened the so much sunshine. door for April, her husband Ongoing Programs Music Class is just one Randy and their children to Family Camp: Offered four of many Camp Sunshine experience many Camp times a year at Camp Twin programs offered Sunshine offerings, Lakes and once a year at the throughout the year for including Family Night, Spa New Ebenezer Retreat near preschool children and Sydell Night, Family Camp Savannah, this is a time for their families. Cancer and the Big Apple Circus. The families to be together in a knows no age limit. While programs are just what the relaxed environment away Camp Sunshine is renowned family needed following from the stresses of the for its programs for chil- Isabella and her brother William Isabella’s diagnosis at age 1 hospital and clinic. dren with cancer, including its week-long summer and subsequent struggle with Stage 3 neuroblas- Family Camp is an oppor- camps for teenagers and youngsters age 7 and up, toma. “Isabella went in for her one-year infant tunity for families to share an array of programs is also available for even the checkup on December 30, 2003. When the doctor with others their experiences youngest children facing the battle of a lifetime. got to her belly, he could feel hardness there,” April and feelings about having a Music Class was four-year-old Isabella’s first said. “I thought she had been eating too much – her child with cancer. experience with the people and programs of Camp belly was so big and full.” Sunshine. Isabella, her mother April and her brother Continued on Page 4 Continued on Page 4 2 CAMP SUNSHINE POSTCARDS

Camp Sunshine is there year-round for children with cancer and their families. On the eve of our Silver DEAR CAMP SUNSHINE FRIENDS, Anniversary, I want to thank all of our friends and supporters, old and new, for making this possible. I am I would like to share a fish story with you, except in particularly struck by the growth we have experienced this story every word is true. Camp Sunshine will cele- over the past three years: brate its 25th anniversary in 2007. We are proud of this • 526 new families registered with Camp Sunshine; milestone – a quarter century of helping children with • A 60 percent increase in the number of cancer and their families. But accomplishments, recreational programs; milestones and progress are only possible through • An 80 percent increase in the number of programs the commitment and support of an ever-growing at Camp Sunshine House; community of friends. • A 90 percent increase in the number of days per In September HD Marine in Buford, in partnership year that a Camp Sunshine program is available to with Wendy’s and a host of other supporters, dedicated children and families. funds from its annual Big Ole Bass Benefit Tournament These are impressive statistics. But as I have said to Camp Sunshine. For two glorious fall days, approxi- many times, Camp Sunshine is about children, not mately 200 teams of fishermen gathered with their numbers, and we need to be doing more to reach out to families and friends along with Camp Sunshine families every child and family in need of our programs. In this at Lake Lanier for fun, fishing, food and fundraising. issue, we offer a detailed look at our offerings for The winning team reeled in 10 fish, weighing a total of preschoolers as seen through the eyes of 4-year-old 37.08 pounds. While our hats are off to these skilled Isabella and her family. Isabella was diagnosed at her anglers, the real winners were all who were touched by one-year infant checkup with neuroblastoma. Cancer this terrific family event. does not discriminate by age. That is why Camp Sunshine As HD Marine owner Lee Dodgen said, “I do not provides programs even for the youngest children. want to see a child suffer, and I do not want to see Also in this issue, Camp Sunshine counselor Scott children sick. Anything we can do to make their life shares his encouraging story of his battle with cancer 20 better, we are there.” years ago when he was 13 and diagnosed with Stage II-B Hodgkin’s disease. Additionally, you can read about the excitement of the upcoming Big Apple Circus benefit performance and the champion-style support of the Wunsch Family Foundation’s Circle of Friends. This program gives NFL players, including Atlanta Falcon Austin King, the opportunity to help kids with cancer or blood disease. Finally, as the holidays approach, we offer you, our friends and supporters, the opportunity to add your message of hope to our inspirational brick walkway at Camp Sunshine House. Our engraved brick and stone pavers are an appropriate and lasting way to show loved ones how much you care. We are casting our nets always wider to strengthen our programs, and that is no fish story. A safe and healthy holiday season to all! – Sally Hale, Executive Director CAMP SUNSHINE POSTCARDS 3

THEN & NOW Scott’s Story

When Camp Sunshine counselor Scott tells people, “Cancer saved my life,” he is not saying it for shock value. He resolutely believes his battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 13 has positively influenced every step of his life’s journey for the past 20 years.

“Even though I wish it on no one, I often was all about playing ball; it was all about think what path would I have taken if getting well.” cancer had not been part of my life,” said As Scott was nearing the end of his Scott. His illness, treatment, survival and treatment, his medical problems were crit- triumph have inspired virtually every major ically compounded when he was exposed decision he has made about college, to chicken pox; his immune system already career, relationships, spirituality and compromised, Scott contracted a severe more: “If I can express just one overall case of shingles. “It was a very serious message it’s that all things work together situation,” he said. “My mom was told that for good.” I might not survive.” Scott was a middle school student in With high-dosage antibiotics and Scott has been a part of Camp March of 1986 – a strong enough basket- tremendous fortitude, Scott did survive. In Sunshine now for two decades, first as a ball player that even as a seventh grader fact, at the end of his treatment for shin- camper and for the past many years as a he was playing on the eighth grade team. gles he required no further chemotherapy volunteer counselor. He credits his early What appeared to be a persistent bout with or radiation. He has been cancer-free camp experiences not only with helping bronchitis, however, began to slow him ever since. him survive cancer, but also guiding him down. “A family member had walking In addition to excellent medical care, on a college and career path. Scott is a pneumonia, and my overprotective mom Scott believes he experienced “a kind of graduate of the University of Georgia with insisted I needed a chest x-ray,” Scott divine healing” at that point in his life. He a degree in psychology. After working for recalled. The x-ray revealed not pneu- knows for certain he was the recipient of several years with Atlanta Public Schools, monia, but a grapefruit-sized tumor in steadfast love. One of his most vivid Scott heeded a call to youth ministry and is his chest. memories of that time is his mother’s the Director of Street Jam Ministries, an Scott was sent directly to what was constant presence. “She was always there outreach program of the interdenomina- then Egleston Children’s Hospital, now either at my side or in the chair bed trying tional Church in the Now in Conyers. It was Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. A two- to get a little sleep,” he said. “I felt I was through Street Jam that he met his wife week series of tests revealed Stage II-B extremely blessed.” Lindsey, a volunteer for the ministry. Hodgkin’s disease. His doctors recom- Adding to his blessing was the “Street Jam is an outreach that goes mended an 18-month protocol, including encouragement of other friends in treat- into at-risk communities and seeks out chemotherapy followed by radiation ment to try Camp Sunshine. “I was 13 years at-risk kids,” he explained. The ministry therapy. old, I was still on cancer treatment, it was offers a wide range of services from “The first day I got the news was the the first time I had ever been away from tutoring and mentoring, to organizing only time I let my mind drift to what if, home, and I loved it,” Scott said. “I was basketball and other sports, to providing what if. Once the battle started, I never just so glad to be with other kids who had school supplies, Thanksgiving baskets and allowed myself to think that way again,” he cancer. I was glad there were no parents holiday gifts. “Street Jam is not just deliv- recalled. “Instead I thought I have to hurry around and that we could stay up late and ering a religious message,” Scott noted, up and get better because I have to get have fun. It was a whole new world for me- “we are also teaching life skills.” In Scott, ready for the next basketball season. It a world where I was totally welcome and the ministry has quite a role model.2 could be myself without having to prove myself to anyone.” 4 CAMP SUNSHINE POSTCARDS

Preschoolers Feel the Warmth of Camp Sunshine Programs, continued from page 1

Family Night: 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month An ultrasound revealed an abdom- April said. “But what I realize is that with dinner 5:30-6:30 PM and group meeting inal mass. On the following day, New childhood cancer affects the whole family from 6:30-7:30 PM. A time for parents to meet Year’s Eve, the family was in the pediatric and not just in the crisis moments but at with other parents and children to be with other oncologist’s office for more definitive other times, too, as you continue down children, while child care is provided for children testing. “The doctors told us it was one this path.” under age 5. At Camp Sunshine House. of the biggest masses they had ever seen In addition to Music Class, the family in a child her size,” April said. “It was thoroughly enjoyed last year’s Big Apple Family Night in Central Georgia: 2nd about the size of a Nerf football. It was Circus (see circus story in this issue). Monday each month. Same great program as listed pressing on her vena cava (one of two Isabella and her mother have attended above, but at a location convenient to families in large veins returning blood to the Spa Sydell Night at Camp Sunshine Central Georgia: Peyton Anderson Health heart).” It proved to House. “Spa Sydell Education Center, Medical Center of Georgia. be malignant. Night is amazing – Baby Isabella just amazing,” April Preschool Music Class: 2nd and 4th Thursday began a treatment commented. each month with class from 10:30-11:15 AM regimen, which “Isabella was like a and lunch from 11:15 AM-12 noon. A fun and included four rounds little diva. She had interactive class offered by the The Music Class, of chemotherapy her fingernails done, a professional organization of music educators. and surgeries at her toenails done, Plenty of singing, dancing and instrument playing Children’s and even put on a for preschoolers and their parents. Sibs are Healthcare of little lipstick. She welcome, too! At Camp Sunshine House. Atlanta (CHOA) at felt pampered and Scottish Rite. Even cared for.” Spa Sydell Night: 2nd Monday, 6-8 PM. A time in the darker Last spring’s to be pampered by the wonderful volunteers from moments, the family Family Camp was a Spa Sydell. At Camp Sunshine House. found great hope. “CAMP SUNSHINE IS A hit not only with “It was on New Year’s PLACE OF SOLACE AND Isabella, but with Special Events Eve, the very night UNDERSTANDING.” her parents and Holiday Party: Annual gala traditionally held we had been to see – April, 4-year-old Isabella’s brother, too. “There on a Sunday afternoon in December at the Westin the oncologist that mother were so many fun Hotel Atlanta North at Perimeter. An afternoon of Isabella took her activities,” her sweet treats, live music, face painting, and fun, first steps,” her mother recounted. mother said. “We all painted birdhouses topped by a visit from Santa. “Somehow that helped us to see further and loved it. Isabella still talks about the down the road for Isabella.” The family weekend.” Big Apple Circus: The second Sunday in is thankful for the special care they As a parent, April’s favorite program February marks the annual special performance received at CHOA. “Dr. (Louis) Rapkin is is Family Night held first and third for Camp Sunshine by this fabulous troupe of our hero...he and his wonderful nurse Tuesday each month. “It is incredible acrobats, jugglers, trapeze artists and clowns. Stephanie Romanelli,” April said. being able to share with others what it is The dancing horses amaze children of all ages. After 11 months of treatment, like to live with childhood cancer,” she Isabella’s cancer was in remission – and said. “You come looking for hope and Early Childhood Outings her baby brother William had been born. continue finding hope. We talk about real Camp Sunshine offers a series of Saturday Isabella was off-treatment when April stuff – real issues. I thought I would be programs periodically throughout the year that first learned about Camp Sunshine from an encouragement to others, and I hope I vary in nature, including: another mother of a child with neurob- have been that. But I also found that I had • Autumn Apple Orchard Outing lastoma. “At first, I hesitated about unresolved issues and confusion of my • Spring Fling & Egg Hunt going, because I thought it was for own, and other parents with similar expe- • Trip to Cagle’s Dairy Farm families who were in the middle of riences have been there for me. I would • Chattahoochee Nature Center Adventure dealing with their child’s cancer,” really encourage families to try it.” 2 CAMP SUNSHINE POSTCARDS 5

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls! Step Right Up for Camp Sunshine Day at Big Apple Circus The third annual Camp Sunshine Day at the Big Apple Circus is set for Sunday, February 11, 2007. Thanks to the generosity of presenting sponsor, The families, attended the event, which raised more than Coca-Cola Company, all proceeds from the 4:00 PM $90,000 for Camp Sunshine programs. This year’s show, performance will benefit Camp Sunshine’s year-round Step Right Up!, will sweep the whole family away to a programs for children with cancer and their families. bygone era of a wondrous Amusement Resort by the Sea. Children of all ages are sure to delight in the acro- The Big Apple Circus is a unique, not-for-profit bats, jugglers, dancing horses and, most especially, the performing arts organization dedicated to children and clowns under the Big Top at Stone Mountain State Park. their families. The antics, artistry and awesome showman- At the performance in February of 2006, more than ship of the Big Apple Circus have been wowing audiences 1,300 spectators including more than 100 Camp Sunshine for 29 years. See you under the Big Top!2

Be a Sponsor – Send a Camp Sunshine Family to the Circus Sponsorship opportunities are available for the Big Apple Circus benefit performance on Sunday, February 12. High Wire...... $1,000 Center Ring...... $5,000 Acrobatic...... $2,500 Ringmaster...... $15,000 Full-page or half-page program book ads are also available for purchase for $500 or $250 respectively. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, call Camp Sunshine at 404-325-7979. 6 CAMP SUNSHINE POSTCARDS

ONGOING PROGRAMS FAMILY NIGHT For any House program, we ask that you RSVP to 404-325-7979 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month 5:30-6:30 PM Dinner 6:30-7:30 PM Group Meeting JANUARY 2007 Call to RSVP SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT Meet and share dinner with others 1 234 56 in similar situations. Then partici- Young Adult pate in professionally facilitated Conference in Remembering Montana the Sunshine groups to discuss pertinent topics. Family Night Parents meet together; children meet with other children and 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Spa Sydell Night Pre-School childcare is provided for children Music Class under age 5. Family Night in Central Georgia Teen Group TEEN GROUP 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2nd and 4th Thursday each month Family Night Young Adult School Age Group Overnight 5:30-6:30 PM Dinner 6:30-7:30 PM Program Call to RSVP 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 For 13- to 18-year-olds. Meet, hang Pre-School out and get support from other Music Class teens who also have or had cancer. Teen Group For those who are on treatment or 28 29 30 31 were diagnosed as a teen. Dinner is followed by discussion or activity.

YOUNG ADULT GROUP 3rd Thursday each month 5:30-6:30 PM Dinner 6:30-7:30 PM Program FEBRUARY 2007 Call to RSVP SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT For 18- to 23-year-olds who are 123 currently on treatment. Dinner is Remembering Back to School Teen Winter followed by discussion or educa- the Sunshine Program: School Dance/Lock In tional topic of interest. Family Night Personnel

SPA SYDELL NIGHT 4 5 6 7 8 910 AT CAMP SUNSHINE Family Night Pre-School Music Class 2nd Monday each month Savannah Family Program Teen Group 6:00-8:00 PM Come have dinner and be pampered 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 by the talented professionals from Big Apple Spa Sydell Night Young Adult Spa Sydell. Circus Group

PRESCHOOL 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 MUSIC CLASS Family Night Pre-School 2nd and 4th Thursday each month Music Class 10:30 AM-12:30 PM Teen Group Join us for lunch, music class and 25 26 27 28 Feb 22: Family a fun activity. For campers birth - Back-to-School: Program in 6 years old and their preschool age Advocating for Columbus Area Your Child’s siblings. Educational Needs

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING This program provides support and counseling for children and teens regarding illness-related issues. Call Missi Hicks, CCLS, LPC, RPT, at 404-325-7979 for details. CAMP SUNSHINE POSTCARDS 7

For any House program, we ask that you RSVP to 404-325-7979 SAVE THESE DATES May 11-13, 2007 MARCH 2007 Young Adult Retreat Weekend SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT (NEW PROGRAM!) 123 June 17-23, 2007 Remembering Teen Retreat the Sunshine Summer Camp – Teen Week Family Night June 24-30, 2007 45678910 Summer Camp – Junior Week Family Night Pre-School Music Class July 19-20, 2007 Teen Group Young Adult Workshop 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 August 24-26, 2007 Spa Sydell Night Young Adult Group Off Treatment Sibling Camp Family Program Workshop in NW Georgia Back to School: Advocating for 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Family Night Pre-School Your Child’s Educational Needs Music Class February 27, 2007 Teen Group 6:00-8:00 (dinner included) 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Camp Sunshine House Spring Fling This program designed specifically for parents will focus on what school services are available for chronically ill students and how to access them. There will be time for question/ answers specific to your child’s needs. APRIL 2007 SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT The Next Steps: 1234567 Off Treatment Workshop Family Night Remembering the Sunshine March 17, 2007 Family Night 10 AM- 2 PM (lunch provided) Camp Sunshine House 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Spa Sydell Night Pre-School Savannah Topics addressed at this educational Music Class Family Camp program will include: Teen Group • Medical Follow-up • Cognitive Late Effects 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Family Night Young Adult Family Camp • Family Life After Treatment Group at Camp Twin • Helping Your Child Transition Lakes

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Parenting Through Illness Parenting Pre-School Family Camp April 24, 2007 Through Illness Music Class at Camp Twin 6:00-8:00 (dinner included) Lakes Teen Group Camp Sunshine House 29 30 This educational program will address some concerns and challenges parents may face when parenting through illness. Topics will include: • Developmental Impact of Illness • Coping with Illness • Limit Setting/Boundaries/ Normalization • Sibling Concerns ADD YOUR MESSAGE OF HOPE TO CAMP SUNSHINE’S BRICK WALKWAY Name ______All lines are 16 characters per line including spaces and punctuation.

Address ______Line 1 City ______State ______Zip ______Line 2 Phone ______Email address ______

I am purchasing _____ bricks for Camp Sunshine House. Enclosed is my check for $ ______Line 3 Brick Options: អ 4 x 8 Brick Paver = $100.00 អ 8 x 8 Brick Paver = $250.00 Line 4 1 to 3 Lines of Text 1 to 4 Lines of Text Line 5 អ 12 x 12 Natural Stone Paver = $500.00 អ 12 x 12 Natural Stone Paver with Camp Sunshine Logo = $500.00 1 to 5 Lines of Text 1 to 3 Lines of Text Please make a copy of this form for each brick purchased.