Volunteer Archives - Special Love

Life After Cancer

Chris Thomas, Camp Fantastic alum and Special Love volunteer... Earlier this month Special Love held its Reunion Weekend which has always been one of my favorite events. I’ve been part of the Special Love family for something like 27 years now and in that time I’ve seen a lot of folks pass through our organization. It’s good to see old friends, tell old stories, and re-live some of those sun-soaked summers from so long ago. As much as I love Reunion Weekend for my own selfish reasons, my favorite part of it is the flood of survivors who trickle into camp [...]

In Joyful Defiance of Their Cancer

Christopher Barnett, MD, Special Love volunteer ... Last night was the Camp Fantastic talent show. About halfway through, a camper came onto stage to perform “holding breath.” He took a big breath in and held it while we all counted to 30, and the audience went crazy with roaring applause. A few hurried bows and he ran off the stage so the next campers could sing, dance, beat drums, fold origami, or act in a skit. Some acts were simple and some complex, but the audience response was always the same: whistles, hoots, and thunderous applause at the end. We [...]