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# Special Love

for children with cancer

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://specialove.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://specialove.org/blog/)
- [A Beautiful Day on the Greens for Special Love](https://specialove.org/2026/06/a-beautiful-day-on-the-green-for-special-love/) - On Friday, June 5, Special Love hosted our 2026 Annual Golf Tournament at a brand-new location — Shenandoah Valley Golf Club in Front Royal, Virginia — and what a day it was!With a beautiful course, a full day of golf, delicious food, exciting raffle and 50/50 drawings, tournament awards, and plenty of laughter among friends,
- [Special Love is HIRING!](https://specialove.org/2026/06/special-love-is-hiring/) - We’re growing our team! Special Love is currently hiring for two positions located in Winchester, VA: Director of Finance & Administration –A mission-driven leader who can balance strategic planning with hands-on execution while overseeing finance, human resources, risk management, and administrative operations. Finance & Administrative Coordinator –A highly organized, proactive individual who enjoys variety and will
- [A Day Full of Joy: Summer Family Day 2026 🌞](https://specialove.org/2026/05/a-day-full-of-joy-summer-family-day-2026-🌞/) - On Saturday, May 9, families gathered at Smokey Glen Farm for one of our most joy-filled traditions—Summer Family Day.This is a day where families of children with cancer could come together, reconnect, and simply enjoy time with one another. This year, we were thrilled to welcome 118 amazing participants—families, kids, and friends—alongside 49 dedicated volunteers
- [Help Children with Cancer Experience the Joy of Camp 🏕️](https://specialove.org/2026/05/help-children-with-cancer-experience-the-joy-of-camp-🏕️/) - For many children with cancer, the first day of camp is a big moment. It may be the first time they’ve been away from their parents since their diagnosis — sometimes the first time in years. There are nervous smiles and quiet questions about what the week will bring. But something remarkable happens. Within a
- [Special Love Scholarship Applications NOW OPEN 🎓](https://specialove.org/2026/04/special-love-scholarship-applications-now-open-🎓/) - At Special Love, we believe in walking alongside our families through every stage of their journey—and that includes supporting what comes next. We are excited to share that applications are now open for our Educational Scholarships! Each year, Special Love proudly offers scholarship opportunities to young adults ages 17–25 who have been impacted by childhood
- [Mission: Find the “Neil Diamond” — BRASS Weekend 2026 Recap 🕵️](https://specialove.org/2026/03/mission-find-the-neil-diamond-brass-weekend-2026-recap-🕵️/) - This past weekend (March 27–29), something mysterious unfolded at the Northern Virginia 4-H Center. What started as a typical BRASS Weekend quickly turned into a full-scale spy operation, as siblings stepped into the roles of secret agents for Spy Sibs—our 2026 theme. The mission? Track down the missing “Neil Diamond,” which was stolen just hours
- [We're Moving... Come With Us!](https://specialove.org/2026/03/were-moving-come-with-us/) - We’re excited to share that beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Special Love will be moving to a new event and camp registration system called CampSite. This new platform will make it easier for families to manage registrations, share important documentation, update information, and sign up for our programs. To register for upcoming programs, including BRASS Camp and Camp Fantastic,
- [A Winter Weekend to Remember ❄️](https://specialove.org/2026/01/a-winter-weekend-to-remember/) - Each winter, something truly special happens at Special Love. Our annual Winter Weekend takes place, which is a three-day escape created to give families of children with cancer, bereaved families, and survivors the chance to rest, reconnect, and simply enjoy being together—without appointments, alarms, or expectations. From skiing and snowboarding to tubing, Bingo, and cozy movie nights, Winter Weekend is an unforgettable experience designed
- [Special Love’s Holiday Party: A Joy-Filled Wrap to a Wonderful Year](https://specialove.org/2025/12/special-loves-holiday-party-a-joy-filled-wrap-to-a-wonderful-year/) - Special Love’s Holiday Party brings joy to childhood cancer families. See photos, highlights, donors, and support our nonprofit family programs.
- [Parents’ Getaway Weekend 2025: A Time to Breathe, Connect, and Heal](https://specialove.org/2025/11/parents-getaway-weekend-2025-a-time-to-breathe-connect-and-heal/) - A wellness retreat for parents of children with cancer, offering support, connection, and renewal through therapy sessions, activities, and community.
- [Rolling the Dice for Love: Special Love Gala Raises Over $200,000](https://specialove.org/2025/09/rolling-the-dice-for-love-special-love-gala-raises-over-200000/) - On Friday, September 19, the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner came alive as nearly 300 guests joined us for the 2025 Special Love Gala. This year’s Casino Night theme brought an extra touch of sparkle and excitement to an already unforgettable evening. The evening would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors, especially
- [Moving Forward: A Weekend of Wellness, Connection & Empowerment](https://specialove.org/2025/11/moving-forward-a-weekend-of-wellness-connection-empowerment/) - Special Love’s Young Survivors Forum brought together young adult cancer survivors and current patients ages 18–40 for a weekend dedicated to healing, hope, and connection. This year’s event, held October 24–25, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner in McLean, VA, offered young adults the chance to learn, grow, and thrive together. Friday Night Fun
- [Octoberfest Family Weekend 2025: A Fall Celebration of Family, Friendship, and Fun](https://specialove.org/2025/10/octoberfest-family-weekend-2025-a-fall-celebration-of-family-friendship-and-fun/) - There’s something magical about October at the Northern Virginia 4-H Center. The air turns crisp, the leaves paint the mountains in vibrant color, and laughter echoes across camp once again as families gather for one of our most beloved programs — Special Love’s Octoberfest Family Weekend. From October 10–12, 2025, Special Love families came together
- [Camp Fantastic 2025: A Week of Courage, Laughter, and Friendship ](https://specialove.org/2025/08/camp-fantastic-2025-a-week-of-courage-laughter-and-friendship/) - Camp Fantastic gives children with cancer a week of laughter, friendship, and hope — all at no cost, thanks to our community of heroes.
- [BRASS Camp 2025](https://specialove.org/2025/08/brass-camp-2025/) - BRothers And SiSters (BRASS) Camp is Special Love’s week-long summer camp for siblings of children with cancer. Read all about this year's BRASS camp 2025!
- [A Day on the Green, A Lifetime of Impact: 2025 Special Love Golf Tournament Recap](https://specialove.org/2025/06/a-day-on-the-green-a-lifetime-of-impact-2025-special-love-golf-tournament-recap/) - Over 140 golfers joined us for a sold-out day of fun and fundraising at Rock Harbor, raising over $51,000 to support Special Love’s camps for kids with cancer.
- [Sunshine, Smiles, and Special Moments: Summer Family Day 2025](https://specialove.org/2025/05/sunshine-smiles-and-special-moments-summer-family-day-2025/) - Families gathered at Smokey Glen Farm for a joyful day of zip-lining, crafts, and connection at Special Love’s 2025 Summer Family Day.
- [2025 Camp Applications Are Open](https://specialove.org/2025/04/2025applications/) - Get Registered For Camp! Camp Fantastic Our week-long camp for children ages 7 to 17 who have undergone cancer treatment. As one camper put it, “Camp made everything bad feel good again.” At Camp Fantastic, kids facing cancer get to experience pure joy, friendship, and adventure—just like any other child.Camp dates for 2025: August 3-9Get
- [A Toast to Togetherness: Parent's Day at Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery](https://specialove.org/2025/04/a-toast-to-togetherness-parents-day-at-barrel-oak-winery-and-brewery/) - Special Love parents enjoyed wine, bites, and connection at Barrel Oak Winery during our relaxing and heartfelt Parent’s Day event.
- [A Day of Discovery, Laughter, and Love at Under 7 Family Day](https://specialove.org/2025/04/a-day-of-discovery-laughter-and-love-at-under-7-family-day/) - A joyful day at Frying Pan Park for young cancer survivors and their families—filled with crafts, rides, and community with Special Love.
- [BRASS from the Past: A Magical Adventure Through Time and Togetherness](https://specialove.org/2025/03/brass-from-the-past-a-magical-adventure-through-time-and-togetherness/) - This past weekend, a band of brave adventurers—siblings of children with cancer and bereaved siblings—embarked on a journey unlike any other. As part of Special Love’s BRASS Weekend, these amazing young people gathered at Northern Virginia 4-H Center, expecting a weekend of laughter, friendship, and fun. What they didn’t expect? A mysterious encounter with ancient
- [2025 Scholarship Applications Open](https://specialove.org/2025/03/2025-scholarship-applications-open/) - The 2025 Applications for the Kay/Moore and Hope Scholarships are now open. Kay/Moore ScholarshipSpecial Love’s Kay/Moore Scholarship supports young adults (17–25) who have faced pediatric cancer and participated in our programs. These scholarships help survivors pursue college or vocational training, empowering them to move beyond cancer and achieve their dreams with courage and resilience. Click Here
- [Winter Weekend 2025 Recap](https://specialove.org/2025/01/winter-weekend-2025/) - Special Love hosted a record-breaking 61 families at this year’s Winter Family Weekend! Over 250 rosy faces braved cold temperatures and nearly two feet of snowfall at Canaan Valley Resort in Davis, WV, for a long weekend filled with friends, family, and fun. Families trickled into the resort Friday evening where we welcomed them to
- [Wrapping Up 2024: Special Love’s Holiday Party](https://specialove.org/2024/12/wrapping-up-2024-special-loves-holiday-party/) - After a year packed with programs fostering connection, support, and fun, Special Love’s annual Holiday Party closes out the year and signals the beginning of a new one. This festive year-end celebration is hosted at a venue which parallels the fun and quirky characteristics of Special Love’s camps and programs – the Pearl Street Warehouse
- [2024 VOICE Programs: A Virtual Year in Review](https://specialove.org/2024/12/2024-voice-programs-a-virtual-year-in-review/) - Four years after its development during the COVID-19 pandemic, Special Love’s Virtual Online In-home Camp Experiences (VOICE) Program is still going strong! This year, the team at Special Love, with help from our friends and sponsors, was able to deliver five exciting virtual programs to children with cancer and their families who often experience the
- [Parents Getaway Weekend 2024: A Celebration of Connection and Care](https://specialove.org/2024/11/parents-getaway-weekend-2024/) - This November, Special Love hosted its annual Parents Getaway Weekend welcoming parents of pediatric cancer patients, survivors, and bereaved families to reconnect, recharge, and find support among those who truly understand their journey. Held at the beautiful Hyatt Regency in Tysons Corner, VA, the weekend offered a mix of relaxation, camaraderie, and a dash of
- [Connecting and Thriving: Special Love’s First Young Survivors Forum](https://specialove.org/2024/11/connecting-and-thriving-special-loves-first-young-survivors-forum/) - This November, Special Love joined forces with the Kara Amey Cancer Survivorship Program and The Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai to host our inaugural Moving Forward Young Adult Patient and Survivor Forum. Over 40 individuals gathered at the Hilton McLean at Tysons Corner, Virginia for a day filled with learning, growth, and
- [Special Love Board of Directors Announces New Executive Director](https://specialove.org/2024/11/special-love-board-of-directors-announces-new-executive-director/) - Special Love Family, The Special Love Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Elena Jeannotte as the new Executive Director, effective December 2. This transition follows the announcement of Jan Bresch’s retirement after six years of dedicated service to our organization. Jan has been instrumental in leading Special Love and positioning the organization for
- [A Night of Celebration and Support: Special Love’s Annual Gala](https://specialove.org/2024/09/a-night-of-celebration-and-support-special-loves-annual-gala/) - This past Friday, we gathered at the Hilton Tysons Corner for our Annual Special Love Gala, and what a night it was! With over 300 guests in attendance, the evening was filled with warmth, excitement, and a powerful sense of community, all in support of children with cancer and their families. Our guests enjoyed an
- [BRASS Camp 2024: Back on the Road to Fun and Friendship](https://specialove.org/2024/07/brass-camp-2024-back-on-the-road-to-fun-and-friendship/) - After last year’s “relaunch” due to our COVID-induced four-year hiatus from in-person camps, it was great to see our numbers rise closer to pre-pandemic levels with 77 campers and 41 staff – nearly all of whom were siblings and/or past campers. The week included watery visits to Hawaii and Orlando, a corn-filled stop in
- [Camp Fantastic 2024: Let the Fantastic Games Begin!](https://specialove.org/2024/08/camp-fantastic-2024-let-the-fantastic-games-begin/) - Special Love’s hallmark program, Camp Fantastic, built on last year’s triumphant post-COVID return with more campers, more staff, and more fun! Forty-nine children in various stages of treatment gathered for fun and friendship and not even Tropical Storm Debby could dampen their enthusiasm! Our Olympic theme inspired games on land and in the water and
- [Register For Camp](https://specialove.org/2024/05/register-for-camp/) - Camp Fantastic Registration : Click here BRASS Camp Registration: Click here
- [Luke Child's Cancer Story](https://specialove.org/2024/04/lukechildstory/) - April 1-7th was Adolescent and Young Adults Cancer Awareness Week! Our new Development Associate, Luke Child is sharing his story this month to help us raise awareness for AYA Cancer! Read his story below: I first started feeling some slight pain in my back and shoulder around Oct./Nov. of 2020 as if I had just
- [Kay/Moore Scholarship Applications 2024](https://specialove.org/2024/02/kay-moore-scholarship-applications/) - Special Love will soon accept applications for our Kay/Moore Educational Scholarships. Scholarships are made available to young adults, age 17 to 25, who have undergone treatment for cancer and are now ready to move past their cancer journey to attend college, or a trade school. Eligible applicants must have participated in Special Love programming, either
- [Hope Scholarship 2024](https://specialove.org/2024/02/hope-scholarship-2024/) - Special Love is now accepting applications for the Hope Fund Educational Scholarships for siblings of cancer patients. The sibling scholarships are available to young adults, age 18 to 25, who are or have participated in Special Love’s BRothers And Sisters (BRASS) programming. Scholarship awards are specifically for siblings of cancer patients at the collegiate level
- [Triage Cancer 2024 Webinar Series](https://specialove.org/2024/01/triagewebinars2024/) - Special Love is honored to be partnering with Triage Cancer's free educational webinar series. Each webinar is designed to educate and provide key information to navigate practical issues, minimize the financial burden of a cancer diagnosis, and reduce stress. Every webinar is open to the general public, including individuals diagnosed with cancer, caregivers, advocates, and
- [COVID-19 Policy Update](https://specialove.org/2022/04/covid-19-policy-update/) - COVID-19 Immunization Policy for Special Love In-Person Program Participants, Volunteers and Visitors Due to the heightened risk, and global devastation of COVID-19, Special Love has instituted the following policy for all Special Love in-person programs for our children and families. The policy follows the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and
- [Race Across America - Team One Life](https://specialove.org/2023/10/raam/) - Team One Life Supporting Special Love, Inc in the Race Across America (June 2024) What is the Race Across America (RAAM)? •Non-stop, coast-to-coast, bicycle race starting in Oceanside, CA and ending in Annapolis, MD •Over 3,000 miles of covered distance •Each team will climb more than 100,000’ of elevation. This is roughly the distance from
- [No Shave November](https://specialove.org/2023/09/no-shave-november/) - Get Hairy With Us This November Special Love is delighted to once again be chosen as a benefitting charity of No-Shave November, which has been growing its reputation since 2009 and has earned its place amongst the most notable fundraising campaigns benefiting cancer research, and patient support. This year No-Shave November returns to the fold
- [Golf Tournament](https://specialove.org/2023/08/slgolf/) - Join us on September 15, 2023 for a spectacular golf outing at Rock Harbor Golf Club in Winchester, VA. You have a choice of an 8 am or 1:30 pm tee time (or both!) with a separate awards reception for each. We promise a great fun-filled day with friends while supporting children with cancer. Your
- [2022 Impact Report](https://specialove.org/2023/07/impactreport2022/) - Our 2022 Impact Report
- [2022 Donors List](https://specialove.org/2023/05/2022donorslist/) - Thank you to those who have supported the mission of Special Love in 2022! Big Chief $25,00 and above Jennifer and Ron Christie Ken and Lee Fisher Maria Kenny Hassan and Natalie Zavareei Alexander and Margaret Stewart Trust Institute for Real Estate Management Planned Systems International PSI Rebuild VA Tribal Leaders $10,000 to $24,999 Frank
- [2023 Scholarship Applications](https://specialove.org/2023/02/2023-scholarship-applications/) - Special Love is now accepting applications for our Kay/Moore Educational Scholarships. Scholarships are made available to young adults, age 17 to 25, who have undergone treatment for cancer and are now ready to move past their cancer journey to attend college, or a trade school. Eligible applicants must have participated in Special Love programming, either
- [40th Anniversary](https://specialove.org/2023/01/40th-anniversary/) - Special Love is celebrating 4 decades of serving children with cancer and their families. Celebrate with us by taking a look into the past 40 years with us, view our scrapbook of some of our favorite memories, sing along to our favorite camp songs in our songbook, and share your favorite camp memory with us
- [Create a Smile and a Friendship with an End Of Year Donation](https://specialove.org/2022/11/create-a-smile-and-a-friendship/) - Fun is not a word usually associated with cancer. Especially for a child whose young life, and the life of their family, has been turned upside down.Words like doctors, hospitals, treatments, pain, fears, and isolation, yes. Fun, no.But there it is – fun – in every story that we have read about our events over
- [No-Shave November Has Never Been Scruffier!](https://specialove.org/2022/10/noshavenovember/) - No-Shave November rallies 13 cancer-related nonprofit organizations to get hairy for its largest and most ambitious campaign yet. Cancer is a potent and ever-changing threat. Fighting it requires a united effort, and since its establishment in 2009, No-Shave November has been a rallying cry for other like-minded nonprofits to gather to. This year, Special Love,
- [July Summer Celebration Days](https://specialove.org/2022/05/summer-celebration-days/) - Join us for 1 or all 3 of our Summer Celebration Days in June/July! Our first day is July 12th at Smokey Glen Farm in Gaithersburg, MD, then July 14th we are at Burke Lake in Burke, VA, and on July 19th we are back at KOA in Williamsburg, VA. These days are going to
- [Chilling and Quilling to Beat the Winter Blahs](https://specialove.org/2022/02/chilling-and-quilling-to-beat-the-winter-blahs/) - Special Love volunteers and former campers Serena Wade (above left) and Olivia Adams (above right) hosted “Winter Chill,” a night of painting and socializing in late January for Special Love’s young adults. Participants painted cityscapes, no two were alike, and while painting got caught-up on how everyone was doing and what is new in
- [2022 Hope Fund Scholarships Open](https://specialove.org/2022/02/2022-hope-fund-scholarships/) - Special Love is now accepting applications for the Hope Fund Educational Scholarships for siblings of cancer patients. The sibling scholarships are available to young adults, age 18 to 30, who are or have participated in Special Love’s BRothers And Sisters (BRASS) programming. Scholarship awards are specifically for siblings of cancer patients at the collegiate level
- [What About Camp?](https://specialove.org/2022/02/what-about-camp/) - What About Camp? As is natural this time of year, we have been receiving questions on whether or not Special Love will host an in-person BRASS Camp and Camp Fantastic this year, and the answer is at this point we just don’t know. The Special Love team is working with our NIH medical team to
- [2022 Kay/Moore Scholarships Open](https://specialove.org/2022/02/2022-kay-moore-scholarships-open/) - Special Love is now accepting applications for our Kay/Moore Educational Scholarships. Scholarships are made available to young adults, age 18 to 30, who have undergone treatment for cancer and are now ready to move past their cancer journey to attend college, or a trade school. Eligible applicants must have participated in Special Love programming, either
- [Donate before December 31!](https://specialove.org/2021/12/donate-before-december-31/) - The Six Ways to Give: MAKE A DONATION A donation to help support the work of Special Love, or a gift in memory or honor of the special moments and loved ones in your life is always appreciated. For memorial or honorary gifts, Special Love will recognize the gift by sending the individual or family
- [Crafts and Cocktails for Parents Night](https://specialove.org/2021/12/crafts-and-cocktails-for-parents-night/) - Every parent needs an occasional break and our Virtual Parents Night with David Tutera gave them both! Excited parents signed up to make a special fall craft and share a specialty cocktail recipe with celebrity party planner David Tutera on the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving. David’s luminary leaf candles and signature cranberry infused cocktail were the hit of the holiday
- [BRASS Day was full of colorful (and yummy) fall fun!](https://specialove.org/2021/10/brass-day-was-full-of-colorful-and-yummy-fall-fun/) - Cancer sibs had a day just to themselves on October 23rd filled it with yummy, colorful fall fun! Virtual BRASS Day started on a tasty note with “s’more pops,” courtesy of Counselor Olivia. Our budding dessert chefs crafted their creations using marshmallows dipped in melted chocolate and coated with graham cracker dust, sprinkles, cereal, or whatever they could think of. Participants were supposed to cool them in the refrigerator prior to
- [Fall Fun at Virtual Octoberfest Family Day](https://specialove.org/2021/10/fall-fun-at-virtual-octoberfest-family-day/) - Special Love families kicked off the fall season with a day of virtual crafting, painting, and glow-in-the-dark fun! Octoberfest Family Day kicked off in the morning with a pumpkin mosaic class led by Mizz Mosaic, who has become a regular at Special Love’s virtual programs. Evelyn (above left) was one of many kids who decorated
- [Mad Science with Dr. Diane was a hands-on hit!](https://specialove.org/2021/11/mad-science-with-dr-diane-was-a-hands-on-hit/) - Mad Science gave more than 30 campers and their parents a chance to try fun experiments on everything from conducting electricity to, and even making artificial snow. When Dr. Diane leads a science class, it’s far from a lecture – it’s a hands-on, giggle-inducing hour of non-stop fun. She started off the session by having the kids
- [Summer 2021 Was a Virtual Masterpiece ](https://specialove.org/2021/09/summer-2021-was-a-virtual-masterpiece/) - Summer 2021 Was a Virtual Masterpiece “Thank you so much for such an amazing week and for making our first time camper feel included…the activities exceeded our expectations…” BRASS Camp and Camp Fantastic each faced a tough task in 2021: not only provide another engaging week of fun and community amid an ongoing pandemic, but make it fresh, original, and better than last year. Special Love’s staff and volunteers rose to the occasion
- [Virtual Programs, Real Impact](https://specialove.org/2021/09/who-were-serving-by-the-numbers/)
- [Camp Is Where The Heart Is](https://specialove.org/2011/06/camp-is-where-the-heart-is/) - The sun is setting over the James as my car roles to a stop, its tires crunching in the gravel parking lot outside of the Jamestown 4H Center’s mess hall. Despite traffic and an unfamiliar route, I seem to be the first to arrive and I take a moment to savor the quiet tranquility of the slow, deep water that, like me, has reached the end of its long journey. It’s good to be home. (Read More)
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- [Every kid has the right to be a kid.](https://specialove.org/2007/07/frontpage-intro/) - Special Love lets kids be kids, through camps, financial assistance, and a community of support that lets them (and their families) know that they're not alone in their battle. You can support our community of support through your donation, and check out our latest Loveletter, view our 2016 Special Love Events Calendar, volunteer, or sign up
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- [Attend a Special Event!](https://specialove.org/2010/10/attend-a-special-event/) - Alexander's Auction (Nov. 13th) - Join us at the home of Kurt and Allison Baca as we celebrate survivors and raise money for Special Love with unique auction items, including NFL memorabilia and Pro Bowl tickets, vacation packages, gift baskets, restaurant certificates, handcrafted keepsakes, and much, much more. Click here for a complete list of
- [Congratulations! You have successfully installed EasyBlog!](https://specialove.org/2011/06/congratulations-you-have-successfully-installed-easyblog/) - Thank you for making the right decision to start blogging in your Joomla! website.
- [Introducing: The Special Love Blog](https://specialove.org/2011/06/introducing-the-special-love-blog/) - That's right ladies and gentlemen, Special Love is stepping into the wild world of social media with its very own blog; how far we have come from a neon-green xerox of the camp newspaper!
- [YACing It Up](https://specialove.org/2011/06/yacing-it-up/) - YAC weekend 2011 kicks off in Jamestown on Friday. This Fantastic weekend nurtures a community of support for young adult survivors and brings old camp friends back together again. Last year we went to a Splashdown waterpark (clearly a big hit with the YACer at right). This year we figure we'll cut out the middle man and head straight to the ocean. Sunshine and sea air; that's what it's all about.
- [Camp Fantastic 2011 sets sail!](https://specialove.org/2011/08/camp-fantastic-2011-sets-sail/) - If you’ve ever wondered “What is Camp Fantastic all about?” or “ What makes it so special?” then stay tuned here for regular updates and photos from the “Special Love Boat” that set sail from Camp Fantastic 2011 yesterday.If you’ve ever wondered “What is Camp Fantastic all about?” or “ What makes it so special?”
- [Hero #30 - A Hero from Day One](https://specialove.org/2011/12/30-years-a-30-heroes/) - Now appearing - Hero #30! Here at last is the finale to Special Love's 30th year of service to children with cancer and our "30 Years & 30 Heroes." Click here to meet Jeff, one of our inaugural 1983 campers, who took his cancer experience and built a career around it! That completes our roster of heroes (check
- [Camp moments - big and small](https://specialove.org/2011/08/camp-moments-big-and-small/) - We do BIG things at camp. We have camp carnivals with games, prizes, motorcycle rides, a dunk tank and fire truck rides. We transform bland cafeterias into dazzling cruise lounges. We put together over 25 daily class offerings including film class, archery, canoeing, jewelry making, duct tape designs, bottle rocketry, and much more. We do
- [Tebowing while Chemoing](https://specialove.org/2012/01/tebowing-while-chemoing/) - Check out our very own Joey Norris, who's captured the attention of the Broncos' Tim Tebow. Hat-tip to WJLA news which has the story. Video after the break.
- [Inspirational People](https://specialove.org/2012/04/inspirational-people/) - Special Love's mission is to provide "support services" to children with cancer and their families. Some of those services we can provide directly -- scholarships, transportation to camp, etc -- and some, perhaps the most important, require that we get out-of-the-way and let inspirational people share who they are with people who need inspiration.
- [Camp Fantastic 2012](https://specialove.org/2012/08/camp-fantastic-2012/) - We're just getting started here at Camp Fantastic... stay tuned for more! It's our 30th anniversary, so there will be a lot to celebrate!
- [Staff Reflections](https://specialove.org/2012/08/staff-reflections/) - I am truly humbled by the amazing group of volunteers who have gathered here for a week of service and compassion. Like most families, we are diverse. There are extroverts and introverts. There are young and not as young. There are medical experts and those who don’t know a rubber glove from a rubber band.
- [The Rewards of Risk](https://specialove.org/2012/08/the-rewards-of-risk/) - I am a bad singer. Like tone-deaf-nails-on-chalkboard crazy bad. When I was in high school, the family joke was that I was asked to sing solo…you know, so low that no one could hear me. Singing in public fills me with fear similar to sitting at the top of a rollercoaster with no seatbelt.
- [All About Camp Fantastic by Jonathan](https://specialove.org/2012/08/all-about-camp-fantastic/) - Each day is a adventure. Kids laugh and play. There are many different activities to choose from. It's like it's your family. At Camp Fantastic, it's like you're free. Everyone is a team. Camp Fantastic is a very nice place. You get to meet new friends. You do many activities. Campers don’t have to worry
- [Camp Fantastic is honestly fantastic](https://specialove.org/2012/08/camp-fantastic-is-honestly-fantastic/) - My name is Tawney and this is my eighth year at camp. Camp Fantastic is a get-away from it all. Here campers don’t have to worry about anything. From the staff to the activities everyday is an adventure, every day is a smile. My name is Tawney and this is my eighth year at camp.
- [Day One of Camp Fantastic by Amanda](https://specialove.org/2012/08/day-one-of-camp-fantastic-by-amanda/) - This is my third year of camp and it gets better each time. This year I’m with the teenagers for the first time and it is a whole lot of fun. I already have a great group of friends that I love hanging out with. This is my third year of camp and it
- [The Gift Of A Childhood](https://specialove.org/2012/08/the-gift-of-a-childhood/) - It is not that "at Camp Fantastic, the checkups just happen to be bookended by canoe rides, archery lessons, dance classes and a carnival," but that, "at Camp Fantastic canoe rides, archery lessons, dance classes, and carnivals just happen to be bookended by medline."
- [My inspiration....](https://specialove.org/2012/09/my-inspiration/) - When I think of someone that has been a huge inspiration to me I cannot help but think of about one hundred kids, all under the age of seventeen, who I spent a week with in the summer of 2012. When I think of someone that has been a huge inspiration to me I cannot
- [Show your Camp Spirit!](https://specialove.org/2012/11/special-love-video-sneak-previews/) - As we head off to our week-long BRASS Camp and Camp Fantastic, you can join us! By "showing your camp spirit," you'll attend camp virtually from the comfort of home (no sunburn or bug bites for you!) At the same time, you'll send a child with cancer in your place. Gift levels include a "Camp
- [Camp Family](https://specialove.org/2012/10/camp-family/) - One of camp's most bittersweet moments is the time when we have to say goodbye to a camper who's passed out of eligability. In order to make room for new campers facing the challenges and hardship of a new diagnosis we must turn away old friends who've finished their treatment and gone three years without relapse or recurrance. We hate to see them leave but are glad to know that they can go. Eligable to attend or not, however, they will aways be part of our camp family.
- [Get Out of the Way](https://specialove.org/2012/11/get-out-of-the-way/) - If I've learned one thing from the time I've spent at Special Love and Camp Fantastic, it's that sometimes you just have to know when to get out of the way. So it shouldn't be any surprise that I've let wiser heads (and younger hearts) prevail when it came to posting on Special Love's blog, That said, it's now a year and a half later and the stars have aligned to where I feel compelled to finally make an appearance blog-wise. Today is "Giving Tuesday" and I feel the need to give back to an organization that has given me so much.
- [Jordan Trufio](https://specialove.org/2013/06/jordan-trufio/) - West Springfield High School student Jordan Trufio's fight with cancer ended today. Fellow student Sean Ngo contributed these thoughts on his passing.
- [Superformula](https://specialove.org/2013/07/superformula/) - There's a pediatric oncology unit in Brazil that's trying out a fairly clever idea. They're using comic books and superheroes to explain chemotherapy to children. Kids are given their drugs in super-hero branded IV containers and given comics and animated cartoons which depict heroes like Batman, Superman, and the Green Lantern getting similar "superformulas" to help them regain their powers.
- [Reporting on Camp’s Best!](https://specialove.org/2013/08/reporting-on-camps-best/) - According to Ye Olde Fantastic Chronicle (camp newspaper) Staff What is your favorite thing about camp? Nicolas (11 yrs. old, 4th year at camp): Meeting new people and making friends. Evie (8 yrs. old, 3rd year at camp): Going to the carnival because it’s a lot of fun. Jake (12 yrs. old, 2nd year at
- [West Coast Doctor Wouldn't Miss Volunteering](https://specialove.org/2013/08/west-coast-doctor-wouldnt-miss-volunteering/) - Written by Christopher Barnett, MD, MPH, University of California San Francisco, 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
- [Journey to the Final Year as a Camper](https://specialove.org/2013/08/journey-to-the-final-year-as-a-camper/) - Written by Angela Bickmann, 2013 Camp Fantastic Camper Camp Fantastic 2013, my last year at camp…as a CAMPER!!! There is no doubt or question in my mind whether or not I’ll come back as a counselor, even though I’ll be moving across the country. I’ve been coming here since 2011. Bald, and weak yet strong,
- [First Time Camper….. and Camper Parents](https://specialove.org/2013/08/first-time-camper-and-camper-parents/) - Written by Tammy and Craig Sankner, first time camp parents (8-11-13) So today we dropped off Tara for her first time at Camp Fantastic. There were many emotions that were felt today during the drop off from being overly excited to tears being shed by both Tara and mom and dad. But let's talk about
- [Camp Mom Volunteer](https://specialove.org/2013/08/329-2/) - Written by Gina Parcells, Camp Mom & first time Camp Fantastic Volunteer All I really wanted was for my kid to be happy. I just wanted her to BE A KID and think of herself as more than cancer. She was barely seven years old when I sent her to camp that first time, not fully
- [Camper Arrival – Sunday, August 11, 2013](https://specialove.org/2013/08/camper-arrival-sunday-august-11-2013/) - Written by Mindy McManus, Special Love Volunteer This is my 7th year at Camp Fantastic. This afternoon, 106 children with cancer between the ages of 7 and 17 rode on charter busses up Harmony Hollow – escorted by police and dozens of Harley Davidson riders – to begin an extraordinary week of joy, friendship,
- [A Year-end treat in lieu of a party](https://specialove.org/2013/08/were-off-to-camp/) - Since we missed our Dec. 8th holiday party, here's a link to the year-end slideshow that Barry Creech prepared for it. Grab a refreshment and a friend and enjoy some of the highlights of our year at camp! Feel free to forward the link to friends and family!
- [](https://specialove.org/2013/08/347-2/) - Help Special Love send a kid with cancer to camp. Here's what you can do... Donation How it helps $650 ...sends a child for a week $400 ...sends a family to a weekend camp $250 ...sends a child for a weekend $125 ...feeds a child for a week at camp $75 ...sponsors a
- [It takes a village](https://specialove.org/2013/09/it-takes-a-village/) - If you've ever been to a Special Love event you know it's a complex beast. There are days to plan, activities to coordinate, staff to wrangle, meals to arrange, transportation to worry about, lodging to assign, and all that before the first campers and staff show up to check in. But above and beyond all
- [Show Your Holiday Spirit!](https://specialove.org/2013/12/show-your-holiday-spirit/) - 'Tis the season to be Fantastic - by making it possible for kids with cancer to enjoy year-round fun at Special Love events like Fantastic Winter Weekend in January. You'll feel warm and toasty inside while kids like Mohini and Amanda (below, with volunteer Bridget in the middle) can get outside to laugh and renew
- [Additional support for parents](https://specialove.org/2014/01/additional-support-for-parents/) - Moms and Dads need more than just an overnight stay to get through their child's cancer experience. Check out our Parent Getaway Weekend page for news and links to other events and support services for parents and caregivers.
- [Swing into Spring!](https://specialove.org/2014/04/swing-into-spring/) - Join us at any of these THREE golf tournaments in June and you'll help send more kids to camp! The Mark Moseley Celebrity Golf Tournament (June 2nd at Raspberry Falls) - a frill-filled celebrity event with NFL Hall of Fame kicker Mark Moseley and other sports dignitaries. A perfect way to schmooze with corporate clients - or
- [Registration Now Open for "Fall in Love 10K/5K Run & Walk"](https://specialove.org/2014/06/giving-the-fall-in-love-5k-another-run/) - Registration is now open for the 4th annual "Fall in Love 10K/5K Run & Walk," on Oct. 15th at the C & O Towpath (GPS Address: 3500 Water St NW, Washington, DC 20007). Race starts at 10 am and walkers and kids are welcome. Help us raise even more money by
- [Spring has us Buzzing!](https://specialove.org/2014/07/dance-rock-n-rule-on-august-3rd/) - Now that the weather is warming up, Special Love is buzzing with activity - literally! "Buzzing for Change" is just one of several Special Events that are coming up in the next couple months. You can join the students at George Washington University's Kogan Plaza to get a haircut or just cheer on those who do! You
- [Camp Fantastic Traditional Tree Planting Ceremony](https://specialove.org/2014/08/camp-fantastic-traditional-tree-planting-ceremony/) - On the Monday night of camp for more than ten years now, it’s been a camp tradition to plant a tree on the grounds of the Northern Virginia 4-H Education Center (the sight of Camp Fantastic since its inception in 1983), to remember and honor the hundreds of campers who have been served by Special
- [Julia’s Summer: Camp Fantastic](https://specialove.org/2014/09/julias-summer-camp-fantastic/) - The following is excerpted an essay written by our very own Julia Jones (below left) for World Harvest Outreach. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did: For one week every summer I get to go to camp. Camp is my happy place. This camp is called Camp Fantastic. In 1983 Tom and
- [Ryan's Blog About Camp Fantastic](https://specialove.org/2014/09/ryans-blog-about-camp-fantastic/) - Ryan pictured center with the tennis class at Camp Fantastic When I was asked to write a blog for Special Love and what the transition was like from Camper to counselor I had to put a lot of thought and time before I could start writing it. Do not get me wrong but being a
- [Thanks for putting Special Love in your holidays!](https://specialove.org/2014/11/kick-off-and-wrap-up-your-holidays-with-us/) - We had a great time kicking off our holiday season at our annual Holiday Party in North Alexandria -- it was full of food, friendship, and fun - not to mention a visit from Jolly Old Saint You-Know-Who. Plus we relieved the best memories of 2015 with Barry Creech's annual highlights video (and Bruce Steakley's photos), made holiday crafts
- ['Tis the Season - for CFC and Special Love!](https://specialove.org/2014/11/tis-the-season/) - Your year-end gift is a great way to help us kick-off 2015 in Fantastic fashion - and provide more kids and families with a community of support throughout their cancer journey - click here for details. Best wishes for a joyous holiday season! If you're a federal worker or a member of the Armed Forces,
- [Thanks for Buying Soap & Giving Hope!](https://specialove.org/2014/11/buy-soap-give-hope-one-week-only/) - Thanks to everyone who made a purchase through Boring Goats' "Soap for Hope" promotion -- thanks to you, Special Love is getting a check for $575 to put toward Fantastic Friends Weekend on July 8-10. Plus you get to stink less! Visit http://www.boringgoats.com/pay-it-forward/ for more info and watch for the holiday promotion in late November. Soap makes a
- [Join us for Casino Royale!](https://specialove.org/2014/12/join-us-for-for-casino-royale-on-feb-6th/) - Friday, April 15th at the Hilton Tysons/McLean Click here for ticket and sponsor information Click here to check out the gala Instagram page
- [Year-end Thanks!](https://specialove.org/2015/01/year-end-thanks/) - Thanks to everyone who made a year-end gift last month - you helped us not only reach our $30,000 year end challenge but double it! As a reward, click the above photo to enjoy our year-end photo highlights. (You can enjoy it even if you didn't make a year-end gift - or feel free to
- [Fear not, more camp weekends are coming!](https://specialove.org/2015/04/weekendcamps/) - Snow may be falling, but we're already planning for warmer weather - and camp! Mark your calendars now and plan to join us for some fun this spring: BRASS Weekend (March 11-13) - Siblings ages 7-16 are invited to join us at the Northern Virginia 4-H Center for three days of fun
- [Some Imaginative Kids](https://specialove.org/2015/04/some-imaginative-kids/) - Check out this article from today's Winchester Star - about a group of 8th graders who raised money to sponsor a camper to Camp Fantastic! Problem-Solving Local Teams Headed To DI Global Finals Posted: April 16, 2015 By AMY ALONZO The Winchester Star Members of the Young and Wreckless Destination Imagination team
- [Follow the Camp Fantastic Action Here!](https://specialove.org/2015/08/follow-the-camp-fantastic-action-here/) - The "University of Camp Fantastic" was an amazing week - if you missed any of the action, check out the highlights on our Facebook page or by visiting the media links on the Camp Fantastic web page. Thanks to all who made it possible, including the Alexander & Margaret Stewart Trust, The Richmond Shag Club, KOA Care
- [Fall into Special Love!](https://specialove.org/2015/09/have-a-heart-for-childhood-cancer-awareness-month/) - Summer's over but the fun goes on! Octoberfest Family Weekend is coming on Oct. 9-11 and it's open to all families of children ages 17 and under who are within 5 years of cancer treatment. It includes parades, crafts, campfires, and more! Click here for the flyer and plan to join us. Parents can also
- [Life After Cancer](https://specialove.org/2016/07/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
- [The "Amazingness" of Camp: An Open Letter from Abby's Parents](https://specialove.org/2016/12/the-amazingness-of-camp/) - This July, we received the terrible news that no parent should ever hear: Our nine-year-old daughter Abby had just days to live. Almost two years ago, Abby’s treatment for her type of leukemia included a lifesaving bone marrow transplant. She’s been battling side effects ever since. But recently the complications became so severe that
- [In Joyful Defiance of Their Cancer](https://specialove.org/2016/01/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
- [Listen to the Music in My Heart](https://specialove.org/2016/01/listen-to-the-music-in-my-heart/) - Julia Jones, Special Love counselor and former camper (Wilm’s tumor) ... For one week every summer, I get to go to camp. Camp is my happy place. This camp is called Camp Fantastic…. In 1998, I was a camper at Camp Fantastic, and Special Love has been a part of my life ever since. For
- [Teens & Young Adults - Make Your Winter FANTASTIC!](https://specialove.org/2015/12/teens-young-adults-make-your-winter-fantastic/) - We're wrapping up our 33rd year of fun and friendship and now is the perfect time to reconnect with camp friends - and make new ones! Our annual Fantastic Winter Weekend for 13-25 year-old cancer survivors (and current patients) is on Jan. 8-10 at the No. VA 4-H Center in Front Royal, VA and will
- [What I Can Do](https://specialove.org/2018/06/what-i-can-do/) - Kristen Kellar-Graney, M.S., Tumor Biologist and Clinical Researcher – and Special Love Pop-Up Camp Guru! A borrowed quote: Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do. As a tumor biologist, I cannot take away the fear a parent has learning that their child has cancer. But as a Special Love volunteer,
- [Special Love Welcomes Director of Development, Kim Jappell](https://specialove.org/2018/11/welcome-kim-jappell/) - Special Love welcomes Kim Jappell as its newest Director of Development. Jappell is a familiar face around the organization as she grew up in Special Love’s BRASS program for cancer siblings and was a member of its Board of Directors prior to accepting her new position. She will now be responsible for leading all aspects
- [Parents' Getaway Weekend 2018](https://specialove.org/2018/12/parents-getaway-weekend-2018/) - November 17-18, 2018 Parents' Getaway 2018 was a huge success! Hosted at the Historic George Washington Hotel in Winchester, Virginia, Parents’ Getaway Weekend is dedicated to parents who have a child with cancer or are bereaved and is organized by parents whose children have also participated in Special Love’s
- [Camp Created Beautiful Memories](https://specialove.org/2019/01/beautiful-memories/) - Camp Created Beautiful Memories for the Florin Family The Florin family made camp a priority and created beautiful memories together. Just one month shy of his first birthday, Peter was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer that affects only 4 in every 1,000,000 children. Despite almost constant treatment, his parents recognized the importance of
- [Fantastic Winter Weekend](https://specialove.org/2019/01/fantastic-winter-weekend/) - January 4-6, 2019 HOW HOW! That’s the best praise we offer at camp and that’s what all had to say about Fantastic Winter Weekend 2019. The weekend is dedicated to current and past cancer patients between the ages of 13-25 and includes a day of adventure at Bryce Resort in Basye, VA
- [Ski Family Weekend 2019](https://specialove.org/2019/02/ski-family-weekend-2019/) - January 18-22, 2019 Canaan Valley Resort Davis, WV Ski Family Weekend was amazing, even with temps varying by 40 degrees during the 4-day Martin Luther King weekend. It was an amazing getaway for families with a child under 18 who’s on treatment or within 3 years of treatment, as well as bereaved families. It was
- [A Very Special Love Story](https://specialove.org/2019/02/a-very-special-love-story/) - Sarah Rostock Who doesn’t love a good love story? From The Notebook to Romeo and Juliet everyone has their favorite! This may sound the cheesiest of cheesy, but my favorite love story is mine! Me and my husband’s love story began with Special Love’s camps for children with cancer. Let’s go back to August of
- [BRASS Weekend 2019 – How Great Thou Art!](https://specialove.org/2019/03/brassweekend2019/) - BRASS Weekend 2019, held March 8-10 at the Outdoor Learning Center at Horizons – Valley Pike in Harrisonburg, included an afternoon painting project that elicited some amazing artwork (scroll down for photos). Siblings had the chance to express themselves and enjoy the spotlight for a change, something that doesn’t always happen in their experience. BRASS Weekend,
- [Terrific Tidewater 2019](https://specialove.org/2019/04/terrific-tidewater-2019/) - Tidewater 2019 was Terrific From the record-setting crowd to the warm, windy fun, this year’s Tidewater Family Weekend was memorable in every way. We stayed at the Southeast 4-H Conference Center in Wakefield, VA, with beautiful lakeside views as far as the eye could see. Families checked in on Friday night and soon enjoyed get-acquainted
- [What It Means to Me](https://specialove.org/2019/05/what-it-means-to-me/) - Recently, we had a chance to speak with Jenny Hahn, President of FD Associates, one of our most generous corporate partners about how they have been impacted by Special Love. Why donate to Special Love? I suspect that most corporate giving comes from a connection to a specific cause. For our small family owned company,
- [Life was a Beach at Young Adults Weekend](https://specialove.org/2019/06/life-was-a-beach-at-young-adults-weekend/) - Thank you to our sponsor the 12th Annual Joan Hisaoka “Make a Difference Gala” YAC Weekend 2019 gave an intimate group of nearly two dozen young adult survivors and volunteers a two and a half days of relaxation, resource-sharing, and camaraderie at Airfield 4-H Center in Wakefield, VA. We led off the experience with some informal
- [A Rousing Good Time at Summer Family Day!](https://specialove.org/2019/06/a-rousing-good-time-at-summer-family-day/) - Summer Family Fun Day, June 15, 2019 Clearbrook Park Winchester, VA Summer Family Day 2019 was possible because of incredible sponsors; the 12th Annual Joan Hisaoka “Make a Difference Gala” and The Yuen Foundation. Summer Family Day, a new and different version of Reunion Family Weekend, was a success! Our first ever one
- [A Fantastic Time with Fantastic Friends](https://specialove.org/2019/07/a-fantastic-time-with-fantastic-friends/) - Fantastic Friends Weekend is a unique program in that the patient gets to bring a friend from home or they can choose to come alone. It is incredible to watch these teens (ages 13-17) integrate and bond and how they accept their friends even though they don’t know what the patient is experiencing. Their friends
- [Camp Fantastic 2019 – The Best Week of the Year](https://specialove.org/2019/08/camp-fantastic-2019-the-best-week-of-the-year/) - Special Love’s hallmark program, Camp Fantastic, is frequently referred to by the campers as “the best week of the year” and this year was no different. We hosted 100 pediatric oncology patients ages 7-17 in mid-August at the Northern VA 4-H Center in Front Royal, Virginia. Camp Fantastic gives the kids everything that makes a
- [Special Love KOA Day 2019](https://specialove.org/2019/09/special-love-koa-day-2019/) - Our annual KOA Day, held at the KOA in Williamsburg, VA, was a huge hit this year! We had a record number of families, 12 families, 58 people total. The amazing people of KOA, who sponsor the day, provided a wonderful lunch for the families and allowed us to take advantage of the activities they
- [BRASS Camp 2019 - it's BRASSapoolooza!](https://specialove.org/2019/08/brass-camp-2019-its-brassapoolooza/) - When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the patient is not the only one effected, the entire family is. That is why we started up BRASS Camp, a week-long adventure for siblings who have a sibling currently on treatment or are bereaved. This year, BRASS hosted 107 campers in late-July at Camp Maria in Leonardtown,
- [7th Annual Fall in Love 5K!](https://specialove.org/2019/09/7th-annual-fall-in-love-5k/) - On probably the only crisp fall morning in all of September in Washington DC we welcomed more than 250 people to Canal Park, part of the Capitol Waterfront, for fun and some walking/running. This was a year of firsts for the 5K; the first year the event was not timed, new location AND the introduction
- [Octoberfest Weekend 2019](https://specialove.org/2019/10/octoberfest-weekend-2019/) - Octoberfest Family Weekend is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year! It's the event that kicks off fall for our Special Love families, and this year was no different. We had 27 families join us for a full weekend of autumn activities for the whole family. Friday evening is our first social
- [Parents Getaway Weekend](https://specialove.org/2019/12/parents-getaway-weekend/) - Nov. 23-24, 2019 Parents’ Getaway hosted 29 couples, 4 couples who have never participated with Special Love before and 8 who have been to another program but never Parents’ Getaway. The historic George Washington Hotel in Winchester, VA. hosted us again this year. We kicked the morning off with a nice breakfast then jumped right
- [Holiday Party](https://specialove.org/2019/12/holiday-party/) - Dec. 1st 2019 We just wrapped up our annual Holiday Party for current and past patients as well as volunteers. We had 63 families and countless Special Love volunteers participate this year which made for an almost full house at the Franconia Firehall in Franconia, VA. The 3-hour party consisted of arts and crafts, face
- [Winter Weekend - 2020](https://specialove.org/2020/01/winter-weekend-2020/) - What winter woes? Our winter has been wonderful! Another terrific Winter Weekend is in the books! Great weather at Bryce Resort in Basye, Virginia provided the perfect place for a wide array of fun winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, tubing, games and roasting marshmallows over the camp fire. It also gave our teen campers
- [Family Ski Weekend - 2020](https://specialove.org/2020/01/family-ski-weekend-2020/) - Skiing – Adaptive skiing – and weather – at Canaan Valley Resort It was all about family. Special Love’s annual Ski Family Weekend was held over the Martin Luther King Weekend at Canaan Valley Resort near Davis, WV, and provided more than 40 families with 3 days of skiing, snowboarding, tubing, great food and lots
- ["As a parent I can't bear to think of having to navigate both crises at once..."](https://specialove.org/2020/05/as-a-parent-i-cant-bear-to-think-of-having-to-navigate-both-crises-at-once/) - Special Love Blog Contributor Shari Fisher The COVID 19 pandemic is reminiscent of another time when I felt isolated and I worried about the future, health and finances. My daughter, Julia, was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor when she was six. As she faced what we hoped to be lifesaving surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, our entire
- [In Their Own Words: The Lilabean Foundation](https://specialove.org/2020/05/in-their-own-words-the-lilabean-foundation/) - The Lilabean Foundation is honored to have supported five brain cancer families through Special Love during the Covid-19 crisis. At this time, we feel it is so important to act on the real and immediate need that families with kids in active treatment are facing. As a mom to a brain cancer survivor, I know first
- [Camp is Where the Heart Is – and ours was at BRASS Camp](https://specialove.org/2020/10/camp-is-where-the-heart-is-and-ours-was-at-brass-camp/) - The young siblings of cancer patients deserve a chance to shine, even in the best of times. This year it was even more important because of the impact of COVID-19, so we gave them the entire month of July to be in the spotlight! BRASS Camp, which is just for siblings, is normally held during the last full week in July at Camp
- [Camp Fantastic 2020 Was Virtually Amazing](https://specialove.org/2020/10/camp-fantastic-2020-was-virtually-amazing/) - Camp Fantastic is about just being a kid, and it’s about building a community of friends, even when you’re online. No one needs community more than kids battling cancer, especially in the time of COVID19. This year, Camp Fantastic proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that community can be found anywhere. The Special Love staff and core of volunteers helped create virtual magic through live-streamed special guests, arts and crafts, photography classes, music, firehouse tours, game and movie nights and so

## Pages

- [Homepage](https://specialove.org/) - Special Love supports children with cancer and their families through free camps, retreats, financial aid, family programs, and scholarships.
- [Emergency Financial Relief Program](https://specialove.org/families/emergency-financial-relief-program/) - Emergency financial assistance for pediatric cancer families in VA, MD, DC & WV—rent, utilities, auto repairs and mortgage assistance.
- [Special Love Annual Gala](https://specialove.org/get-involved/annualgala/) - Special Love’s Annual Gala in Tysons Corner raises funds for children with cancer and families. Become a sponsor and support our mission.
- [BRASS Camp](https://specialove.org/siblings/brasscamp/) - BRASS (Brothers And SiSters) Camp BRASS (BRothers And SiSters) Camp is for siblings of children with cancer. It’s a week-long program with activities such as canoeing, arts & crafts, sports, and campfires, along with camaraderie and peer support. It also offers an open dialogue among campers and counselors to ensure siblings are enveloped in the
- [Employment Opportunities](https://specialove.org/about-us/staff/employment-opportunities/) - Special Love is hiring a Development Events Manager responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing high-impact fundraising and community engagement events. Apply today!
- [Sibling Educational Scholarships](https://specialove.org/siblings/scholarships/) - Scholarship Applications for 2026 is now CLOSED.Special Love, Inc. provides educational scholarships for young adults (ages 17–25) impacted by childhood cancer, including both survivors and their siblings. Past recipients are encouraged to apply again!Our scholarships help fund the tuition and school fees of post-secondary education or vocational training for individuals who have been part of
- [Survivor Educational Scholarships](https://specialove.org/patients/scholarships/) - Special Love provides educational scholarships for young cancer survivors ages 17–25. Special Love helps them move beyond cancer to achieve their goals.
- [Staff](https://specialove.org/about-us/staff/) - Meet the Special Love staff in Winchester, VA—dedicated professionals supporting children with cancer and their families every day.
- [Camp FAQs](https://specialove.org/patients/campfantastic/campquestions/) - Camp FAQ's Coming to a Special Love camp this year? Here’s everything you need to know! Where will I sleep? You will be in one of our lodges, in a room with other kids your age. Each room has bunkbeds, a bathroom, and a sink. What’s the food like? Camp food includes all kinds of things, from
- [Camp Fantastic](https://specialove.org/patients/campfantastic/) - Special Love’s Camp Fantastic gives children with cancer ages 7–17 a week of fun, friendship, and confidence at our signature summer camp.
- [Board of Directors](https://specialove.org/about-us/board-of-directors/) - Meet Special Love’s Board of Directors—community leaders dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families.
- [Resources](https://specialove.org/families/resources/) - Special Love has gathered additional resources to help families find the support and assistance they need during their child’s cancer journey. These resources are support for everyone affected by the cancer journey. This means the child, the siblings, the parents and the family. They include financial support, emotional support, trips, events, and more. If you
- [Resources](https://specialove.org/families/resources-2/) - Special Love has gathered additional resources to help families find the support and assistance they need during their child’s cancer journey. These resources are support for everyone affected by the cancer journey. This means the child, the siblings, the parents and the family. They include financial support, emotional support, trips, events, and more. If you
- [Virtual Programming](https://specialove.org/virtual-programming/) - Special Love’s virtual programs connects children with cancer at home and in the hospital through our online events, crafts, dance parties, and more.
- [Volunteer with Special Love](https://specialove.org/get-involved/volunteer/) - Volunteer with Special Love to support children with cancer and their families through camps, events, and fundraising opportunities.
- [Ways to Give](https://specialove.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/) - Support children with cancer through Special Love. Donate, give monthly, match gifts, or make planned, stock, or in-kind donations today.
- [Hopeful Hearts Peer Support Program](https://specialove.org/families/hopefulhearts/) - Special Love has partnered with Cancer Hope Network to bring their Hopeful Hearts: Parents Supporting Parents program to our community. This free, one-on-one peer mentor program connects parents and caregivers of children with cancer to trained mentors—other parents who have walked a similar journey and are ready to offer support, encouragement, and understanding.Several Special Love alumni parents
- [Newsletter](https://specialove.org/get-involved/newsletter-sign-up/)
- [Subscribe to our newsletter!](https://specialove.org/subscribe-to-our-newsletter/) - Stay Up-To-Date On The Latest With Special Love! Newsletter Subscription Name(Required) First Last Email(Required) Enter Email Confirm Email
- [Meet the BRASS Team](https://specialove.org/siblings/brasscamp/brassleadership/) - Our Team Throughout the year, we work diligently to organize over 10 unique programs for the children and families we serve. Our incredible volunteers are pivotal in furthering Special Love’s mission of providing a community of support for each member of the family.Our BRASS Camp volunteers greet campers new and returning with warmth, compassion, and
- [Donate to Special Love](https://specialove.org/donate/) - Brought to you by
- [COVID-19 Information](https://specialove.org/covid-19-information/) - In the interest of health and safety, Special Love has instituted this policy for all participants and attendees at any Special Love in-person program. The policy follows the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and is intended to protect the health of the children and families we serve as well as
- [About Us](https://specialove.org/about-us/) - Learn how Special Love uses your donations to support children with cancer and families—read about our founders, see our financials and our annual reports.
- [Siblings](https://specialove.org/siblings/)
- [Special Love Donor Privacy Policy](https://specialove.org/donorprivacy/) - Donor Privacy (July 2018) The privacy of all Special Love, Inc. ("Special Love") donors is extremely important and we are committed to maintaining the utmost confidentiality. All donor information collected is retained in a secure database and allows us to track each donor's giving history as well as interests. Special Love also provide donors the
- [Summer Camps](https://specialove.org/families/summer-camps/) - Let’s get back to camp!We’re excited to be back to overnight camps this summer and we’re celebrating with a 40th anniversary Summer Family Day, too! We hope you can join us for the following fun events: Summer Family Day (June 18, 2023)Join us at Smokey Glen Farm BBQ for a day of games, mini-golf, zip
- [40 Years Of Special Love](https://specialove.org/about-us/40years/) - 40 Years of Smiles Friendships Camps Support Community Laughs Memories Special Love Profiles Our Story When Tom and Sheila Baker walked into the office of John Dooley, director of the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center in Front Royal, Virginia, on a late August day in 1982, they weren’t fully aware of the almost surreal chain of
- [Camp Memories](https://specialove.org/camp-memories/)
- [Summer Celebration Days](https://specialove.org/patients/summer-celebration-days/) - Join us for 1 or all 3 of our Summer Celebration Days in June/July! Our first day is July 12th at Smokey Glen Farm in Gaithersburg, MD, then July 14th we are at Burke Lake in Burke, VA, and on July 19th we are back at KOA in Williamsburg, VA. These days are going to
- [Get Involved](https://specialove.org/get-involved/)
- [Contact](https://specialove.org/contact/)
- [Patients](https://specialove.org/patients/)
- [Families](https://specialove.org/families/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://specialove.org/privacy-policy/) - Privacy Policy For Special Love Website Your privacy is extremely important to Special Love. Special Love does not collect any identifying information about visitors to our website. Special Love maintains control of any names, mailing addresses or email addresses submitted by users of its website, including donor pages. Special Love may subcontract certain services related

## Personnel

- [Kelly Traynor](https://specialove.org/personnel/kelly-traynor/) - As Director of Development and Marketing for Special Love, Kelly Traynor oversees all aspects of the organization’s fundraising initiatives, from strategic planning to execution, including major gift fundraising, annual giving, planned giving, special events and campaigns. Kelly also spearhead’s Special Love’s Marketing team and initiatives supporting the growth and development of the organization. Prior to
- [Nicole Conti](https://specialove.org/personnel/nicole-conti/) - Nicole Conti is a senior program management leader with over 14 years of experience at Lockheed Martin, where she has led high-value defense, technology, and enterprise transformation programs. She currently oversees multiple ERP product solutions as part of the company’s 1LMX digital transformation initiative, driving long-range planning, execution, and cross-organizational alignment. Throughout her career, Nicole
- [James Bell](https://specialove.org/personnel/james-bell/) - As a Program Coordinator at Special Love, James assists in planning and executing impactful programs for children and their families. From coordinating camps to managing registrations and logistics, he helps ensure our programs run smoothly and provide meaningful experiences for the families we serve. James was drawn to Special Love because of its mission to
- [Brooke Greene](https://specialove.org/personnel/brooke-greene/) - As a Marketing Coordinator at Special Love, Brooke assists in the creation, execution, and tracking of marketing campaigns across all channels. She helps with content creation by being involved in the Special Love events to capture the special moments and happy memories. She also assists her team with fundraising event planning and execution. Brooke joined
- [Cheryl Ringer](https://specialove.org/personnel/cheryl-ringer/) - Cheryl Ringer serves as the Senior Director of Finance of Special Love, responsible for the financial aspects of the organization. Cheryl's role is to manage the finances to allow Special Love to accomplish and grow its mission to provide support and community for children with cancer and their families. Cheryl has been a financial leader
- [Jerry Ross](https://specialove.org/personnel/jerry-ross/) - Jerry’s professional career has been focused on quality control services associated with construction in the DC/Baltimore area for over thirty years. For the last twenty-eight years, he has worked with Specialized Engineering as their first employee. Originally from southwestern Pennsylvania, Jerry Ross came to the Washington DC area initially in 1986 and became a full-time
- [Maria Kenny](https://specialove.org/personnel/maria-kenny/)
- [Shari Fisher](https://specialove.org/personnel/shari-fisher/) - Shari Fisher, LCSW has been deeply committed to Special Love for 30 years, first as a parent of a child with cancer, a volunteer for 10 years and for the past 15 years as a dedicated member of the Board of Directors. During her board service, she has held multiple leadership roles, including Past President, Secretary,
- [Angela Ashman](https://specialove.org/personnel/angela-ashman/) - Angela plays an integral role in the Special Love team. As Program Director, she organizes all program logistics, collaborates with our large corps of volunteers, and attends all Special Love programs. She also manages program-related communications, keeping our families up-to-date and addressing any questions that arise. Angela joined the Special Love community when she was
- [Stephen Chanock, MD](https://specialove.org/personnel/stephen-chanock-m-d/) - Stephen Chanock, M.D. is the Director, Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and serves as Special Love’s Federal Liaison with the National Institutes of Health and NCI, as well as the Camp Fantastic Medical Director. A leading expert in the discovery and characterization of cancer susceptibility regions in the
- [Brian Graney](https://specialove.org/personnel/brian-graney/) - Brian Graney has extensive experience in investment management and nonprofit board leadership. For over two decades, he was an institutional equities portfolio manager for the Baltimore-based firms Brown Advisory and Alex. Brown Investment Management. His board-level volunteer work has focused on children’s health and educational organizations in the greater Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. Currently,
- [Jay Robinson](https://specialove.org/personnel/jay-robinson/) - Jay Robinson has been married to his wife, Pamela, for 28 years, and together they have three children. Family is at the heart of his life, and he enjoys spending his free time watching his son play baseball, spending time together, and most recently, learning the game of golf. He and his family recently relocated
- [Glenn Consor](https://specialove.org/personnel/glenn-consor/) - The 2025-26 season marks Glenn Consor’s 19th season as the primary color analyst and post-game call-in show host on the Washington Wizards Radio Network; as well as TV analyst for Monumental Sports Network. Consor brings over three decades of experience covering the NBA Wizards and college basketball to the booth. After 20 years covering the
- [John Taylor](https://specialove.org/personnel/john-taylor/) - John has been a member of the Special Love board since 2004. During this time, he has filled many roles. These include chairing the nominating, organizational development, and strategic planning committees. John also served as a past president of the board. Currently retired, John had a lengthy career in which he held executive positions in
- [Bill Tomoff](https://specialove.org/personnel/bill-tomoff/) - Bill Tomoff is a career finance professional who now focuses his energy on helping others grow. He works with his twin brother, Don, to teach the power of personal development as the foundation for bringing greater value to work, family, and community. Their work emphasizes disciplined preparation, continual learning, and practical use of technology, including
- [Lisa Schmidt](https://specialove.org/personnel/lisa-schmidt/) - Lisa Schmidt is an active volunteer in her community and has been a childhood cancer advocate since her daughter Amelia’s brain cancer diagnosis in 2014. In addition to being on the board of Special Love, Lisa is currently on the board of the Green Spring Master Gardener Association and also is an active member (and former
- [Jack Hanson](https://specialove.org/personnel/jack-hansen/) - Jack Hanson's involvement with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Special Love for Children with Cancer began after he moved to Maryland from Ohio in 1967. He had graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University and served as a meteorologist in the US Air Force in northern Michigan for three years. He then began his 35-year
- [MP Brock Zimmerman](https://specialove.org/personnel/mp-brock-zimmerman/) - Mary Prosser (“MP”) Brock Zimmerman is a Partner at Get-to-Market Health, a healthcare technology business consultancy. She has spent her career in healthcare technology and held commercial leadership positions at Caradigm/GE Healthcare, Microsoft, Siemens Medical, and Shared Medical Systems. MP holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mississippi State University. A current resident of Alpharetta,
- [Melissa Steele](https://specialove.org/personnel/melissa-steele/) - Melissa Steele is the CEO of E&G Group, an owner and developer of affordable housing in the DC Metro area. She joined E&G Group in 2009 and has been working in the property management industry for more than 25 years. Melissa serves as an active member of IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management) Northern Virginia Chapter
- [Jyothi Raghavan](https://specialove.org/personnel/jyothi-raghavan/) - Jyothi has been retired for more than two decades in the IT industry working as a software professional in various hands on and leadership roles. The leadership experiences, working with different constituencies that their products served, helps her in her new role as a patient advocate – sharing her voice for the brain tumor community
- [Chuck Bell](https://specialove.org/personnel/chuck-bell/) - Chuck Bell has been a meteorologist with the News4 StormTeam since October 2004. Over those 20+ years Chuck has worn many hats. First hired as a weather producer and reporter, he was promoted to weekend weather anchor in 2009. He was promoted to weekday mornings in 2014 and has been a staple on News4Today ever
- [Ed White](https://specialove.org/personnel/ed-white/) - Ed White is a Senior Vice President with Marsh McLennan Agency specializing in large group employee benefits. Prior to McGriff he was with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (1990-1997). Education; St Francis University BS (1989) and Shenandoah University MBA (1997). Community Involvement; Past board member of: Winchester Rotary Club, Discovery Museum, Frederick County/Winchester Bright Futures.
- [Lee Weiner](https://specialove.org/personnel/lee-weiner/) - Lee Weiner has been a member of the Board of Directors for 17 years and currently serves on Special Love’s Finance Committee and Organizational Development Committee. He has been practicing law for more than 30 years and is currently Of Counsel to Executive Counsel, PLC (www.exec-counsel.com), where he serves as an outsourced General Counsel to
- [Brian Hetherington, P.E.](https://specialove.org/personnel/brian-hetherington/) - An experienced field leader with over 25 years at Clark Construction, who is now Special Love’s primary contact for 4H projects, volunteering, and event sponsorship. Brian has an extensive background in complex and high-risk construction projects in the healthcare, monumental, institutional, and mission-critical government industries as well as self-perform concrete and heavy civil work. He
- [Nicole Blocker](https://specialove.org/personnel/nicole-blocker/) - With extensive experience solving complex technology challenges by developing and implementing comprehensive solutions that drive organizational growth and profitability, Nicole Blocker is a transformational and collaborative leader who exceeds expectations and delivers superb client services. She has a strong background of turning around challenged business units while maintaining positive morale and empowering teams. Nicole currently
- [Elena Jeannotte](https://specialove.org/personnel/elena-jeannotte/) - Elena Jeannotte serves as the Executive Director of Special Love, leading the organization in its mission to provide support and community for children with cancer and their families. In this role, she oversees strategic initiatives, fundraising efforts, and program development to ensure Special Love continues to make a lasting impact. Elena was drawn to Special
- [Dave Smith](https://specialove.org/personnel/dave-smith/) - Dave has been a familiar face at Special Love, Inc. and Camp Fantastic after turning a chance encounter with founders Tom and Sheila Baker into a 37-year career. He has helped Special Love provide a community of support to the families of Mid-Atlantic children with cancer since its inception in 1983. His favorite part of
- [Sherry Lupisella](https://specialove.org/personnel/sherry-lupisella/) - Sherry Lupisella joined Special Love as Director of Finance and Operations in 2025, bringing over 18 years of experience in finance, human resources, and operations. Prior to joining Special Love, she served as the Vice President of Finance and Operations at a public affairs firm in Washington, D.C., where she played a key role in
- [Alaina Conaway](https://specialove.org/personnel/alaina-conaway/) - Alaina manages Special Love’s grant prospects, proposals, and charity platforms. She also maintains communications and relationships with fund providers and stakeholders, as well as assists in fundraising events. Through a college literature course, Alaina discovered her passion for child welfare, specifically for those whose welfare is compromised by factors beyond their control. Her love for
- [Terri McCagh](https://specialove.org/personnel/theresa-mccagh/) - A retired pediatric physical therapist, Terri retired after working 36 successful and satisfying years working with infants, children and their families. She and her family own and operate 1812 Brewery in Cumberland Maryland. Terri is a long-time volunteer of Special Love’s Camp Fantastic and weekend programs, and volunteers with the Ulman Foundation working with young
- [Aaron Andrews](https://specialove.org/personnel/aaron-andrews/) - Aaron Andrews is Special Love’s Director of Community Fundraising. You can often find Aaron working behind the scenes (or behind a camera) at Special Love programs or fundraising events, or in front of a gathering of a community group or organization sharing about the Special Love community. Aaron has worked chiefly in the non-profit field
- [Brendan Meehan](https://specialove.org/personnel/brendan-meehan/) - Brendan Meehan has been a life-long volunteer with a passion for serving mission-driven organizations. For many years, he has dedicated his time as a volunteer at Special Love’s Camp Fantastic, as well as other events throughout the year. Brendan is also a volunteer fire-fighter EMT, and dog foster parent. In addition to his volunteer work, Brendan
- [Judy Russell](https://specialove.org/personnel/judy-russell/)
- [Evelyn](https://specialove.org/personnel/evelyn/) - Evelyn was only 4 years old when her family was rocked by the news from their doctors: Evelyn was fighting Cancer. Not even in kindergarten yet, Evelyn and her family faced a battle on 2 fronts: cancer treatment and an unprecedented global pandemic. Amid lockdowns, quarantines, and a seemingly endless barrage of tests, medications and
- [Maria Gonzalez-Jackson](https://specialove.org/personnel/maria-gonzalez-jackson/) - Maria Gonzalez Jackson stumbled upon Special Love during a lucky google internet search for a support system for children impacted by serious illness and for their siblings. Luckily, Maria found Special Love. Maria’s daughter, Mia was 15 years old when she began participating in Camp Fantastic and her other daughter Noelle was 13 when she
- [Steven Hyson](https://specialove.org/personnel/steven-hyson/) - On a warm day in late May, the air is filled with Rock Music, Pit BBQ smoke, and the pulsing thunder of V-Twin engines. Three hundred people fill the parking lot of Skyline’s Winchester Harley Davidson, home of the Winchester Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) Chapter. From one side of the parking lot to the other,
- [Andrew Hubley](https://specialove.org/personnel/andrew-hubley/) - Andrew was just 5 years old when, during a routine physical to play tee-ball, his doctor noticed that his spleen was enlarged and ran some blood tests. The tests showed he had acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), a diagnosis that would change his and his family’s life forever. Thankfully, they found Special Love and the
- [Devarda Jones](https://specialove.org/personnel/devarda-jones/) - Devarda’s son, Malcolm, was in Georgetown University Hospital being treated for a brain tumor when a social worker told them about Special Love and what a great organization it was: “She said it offered fun camp experiences to kids with life threatening illnesses, as well as family weekend camp experiences with parent sessions that allowed
- [Dr. Jack Shern, MD](https://specialove.org/personnel/dr-jack-shern-md/) - A familiar face over the last decade of Camp Fantastic has been of the Camp Medical Director, Dr. Jack F. Shern MD, or just “Dr. Jack”. When he isn’t providing medical care and coordination for camp, Dr. Jack is a physician and researcher with the National Cancer Institute’s Center for Cancer Research where he is
- [Carolyn Hubley](https://specialove.org/personnel/carolyn-hubley/) - Carolyn was only 9 months old when her battle against cancer began. The struggles and setbacks of a childhood filled with treatments, hospital trips, and procedures were building as Carolyn looked ahead to her teen years. “I had to learn to do all the basics like walking, talking and eating… It was a challenge making
- [Sawyer/Jenna Sangastiano](https://specialove.org/personnel/sawyer-jenna-sangastiano/) - Like most Fairfax area families, Sawyer Stephenson and his mother, Jenna Sangastiano, were introduced to Special Love by Holly Senn, the Child Life Specialist at L.J. Murphy Children’s Hospital. Sawyer started participating through the VOICE program (Virtual Online In-home Camp Experiences) when he was just five years old. Two years later, the entire family had
- [Dave Smith](https://specialove.org/personnel/dave-smith-2/) - Dave will never forget the day in 1982 when he first heard about Special Love and Camp Fantastic. He had just completed his first summer at the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center and was the only “perm staff” member who hadn’t returned to school. A young couple named Tom and Sheila Baker had just arrived
- [Holly Senn](https://specialove.org/personnel/holly-senn/) - Holly, who is one of Special Love’s most energetic counselors and enthusiastic ambassadors, moved to Northern Virginia in 2004 to work as a Child Life Specialist for the Pediatric Oncology Unit at INOVA Fairfax Children’s Hospital. Her introduction to Special Love came soon after and it was informal – and instantaneous: “The pediatric chaplain, Rob
- [Jenlene Nowak (Mizz Mozaic)](https://specialove.org/personnel/jenlene-nowak-mizz-mozaic/) - When Special Love was forced to pivot to virtual programming in 2020, it was quickly apparent that we needed craft presenters with professional experience to broaden our program offerings. Jenlene Nowak (aka “Mizz Mozaic”) was one of the first to come to our rescue! “I found out about Special Love towards the beginning of the
- [Jeriel Rodriguez](https://specialove.org/personnel/jeriel-rodriguez/) - Jeriel was 11 years old when he was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma at Inova Fairfax Children’s Hospital. He was introduced Special Love through Camp Fantastic at age 13 and attended for 2 years in a row, even though he was skeptical at first: “I did not know how I would feel going to a ‘cancer
- [Kiana and Kendra Nwachukwu](https://specialove.org/personnel/kiana-and-kendra-nwachukwu/) - Not many Special Love campers can say they started out as babies. Even fewer can say they started out at camp as twin babies! But that what Kiana and Kendra were when their parents brought them to family programs such as the annual Christmas party. Their brother, Jason, was a toddler diagnosed with glioblastoma.
- [Randy Schools](https://specialove.org/personnel/randy-schools/) - Randy Schools, the former President of the Recreation & Welfare Association at the National Institutes of Health, joined the organization at the very beginning back in 1983. The R&W was an employee services organization, so he knew a lot about coordinating programs and raising money. “Kathy Russell and Charles Butler at NIH asked me
- [Sheila Baker](https://specialove.org/personnel/sheila-baker/) - When Sheila Baker and her late husband, Tom, the founders of Special Love and its hallmark program, Camp Fantastic, started the organization in 1983, they had no idea they were starting an organization that would become a community of hundreds of families and thousands of supporters. They just wanted to provide a week of
- [Jennifer Christie](https://specialove.org/personnel/jennifer-christie/) - Jennifer Christie is the Chief People Officer at DocuSign. In this role, she oversees the HR function as well as plays an active role in the product and go to market strategy for their HR vertical. Most recently, she served as Chief People Officer at Bolt, a fintech startup powering one-click checkout on the internet.
- [Kim Jappell](https://specialove.org/personnel/kim-jappell/)
- [William P. Cannon, III](https://specialove.org/personnel/william-p-cannon-iii/) - William “Billy” Cannon III is an attorney at Offit Kurman, P.A., acting as an Associate Attorney, Landlord Representation Group, December 2012-July 2017, Principal Attorney, Landlord Representation Group, July 2017-present, and Practice Group Leader, Landlord Representation Group, September 2018-present. His work is practice focused on representation of owners and property managers of residential and commercial real
- [Jan Bresch](https://specialove.org/personnel/jan-bresch/)
- [Taylor Miles](https://specialove.org/personnel/taylor-miles/) - Taylor Miles is a graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law, and received his undergraduate degree at The College of William & Mary. Prior to joining the firm, Taylor had five years of experience as a prosecutor, including two years as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney with the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney in
- [Jim Michelson, M.D](https://specialove.org/personnel/jim-michelson-m-d/) - Dr. James Michelson, M.D. is an Orthopedic Surgery Specialist in South Burlington, VT with over 39 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Michelson has more experience with Ankle & Foot Surgery than other specialists in his area. He also serves as a Professor of Orthopedics, in the Department of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation at
- [Caroline Goon](https://specialove.org/personnel/caroline-goon/) - Caroline Goon is the Assistant Dean of Strategic Initiatives & Marketing for Biomedical Graduate Education (BGE) at Georgetown University Medical Center. She is focused on the strategic development of domestic and international educational partners and the recruitment of talented graduated students to the graduate programs at Georgetown University. She has launched and is involved in
- [Tom Baker (1938 - 2018)](https://specialove.org/personnel/tom-baker-1938-2018/)

## Events

- [Special Love Annual Gala](https://specialove.org/event/annualgala2023/) - Special Love’s Gala on Friday, June 23rd at the Hilton-Tyson’s Corner will be a special evening supporting children with cancer and their families, and celebrating our 40th Anniversary. Over the last 40 years, we’ve been fortunate to have individuals and companies on this journey with us and we are honored to present our Love
- [Young Adult Survivors Retreat](https://specialove.org/event/survivorsretreat26/) - Young Adult Survivors Retreat SAVE THE DATE: October 17, 2026 A day spent with other childhood cancer survivors ages 18-40. Our young adult survivors event is BACK with a refreshed retreat experience! This year's event brings us to a beautiful new location and features new opportunities to connect, learn, and recharge alongside others who truly
- [Moving Forward: Young Adult Patients & Survivors Forum 2025](https://specialove.org/event/survivorsretreat26-2/) - A Wellness Weekend for Cancer Survivors Ages 18–40 The Young Survivors Forum is a dynamic event designed for young adult cancer survivors and current patients, offering a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. Whether you’re looking for emotional support, practical advice, or simply the chance to connect with others who understand your journey, this interactive
- [Growing Forward: YA Survivors of Childhood Cancer](https://specialove.org/event/growing-forward-ya-survivors-of-childhood-cancer/) - 3rd Thursday, Every Month, 6-7 PM This monthly virtual support group is for young adult survivors of childhood cancer who have completed treatment or are currently on maintenance therapy. It’s a welcoming, safe space to connect with peers, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships with others who truly understand your journey. Participants are able to
- [BRASS Camp 2026](https://specialove.org/event/brass-camp-2026/) - BRASS Camp (BRothers And SiSters Camp) Our annual salute to siblings is back! We’ll convene on July 12-18 at Camp Maria in Leonardtown, MD, for a week of fun, friendship, and adventure. The venue sits on the edge of Breton Bay (part of the Chesapeake Bay) so fishing, crabbing, and canoeing are part of the
- [Camp Fantastic 2026](https://specialove.org/event/camp-fantastic-2026/) - Camp Fantastic 2026 Camp Fantastic (August 2-8, 2026) is our hallmark program—a week-long, medically supported summer adventure for kids ages 7–17 who are within 5 years of cancer treatment (or 7 years post bone marrow transplant). With on-site medical care, campers can focus on what matters most: having fun. From canoeing and swimming to cooking, ropes
- [Summer Family Day 2026](https://specialove.org/event/summer-family-day-2026/) - Summer Family Day is a fun-filled gathering for all Special Love families. We’ll have face painters, balloon artists, zip-lining, crafts, outdoor games, a delicious lunch, and more! Reconnect with your Special Love friends and meet new ones too! It’s a can’t-miss time for families who’ve together weathered one of the most grueling events a family
- [Special Love Annual Gala 2026](https://specialove.org/event/special-love-annual-gala-2026/) - Special Love’s Annual Gala will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026 at the Hilton-Tyson’s Corner, in support of children with cancer and their families. Deal the cards and share the love - We will be bringing back a Casino Night! Get ready for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and impact. Sponsorships & Tickets NOW AVAILABLE! Click
- [Under 7 Family Day 2026](https://specialove.org/event/under-7-family-day-2026/) - Join us for this fun-filled day of outside fun and arts and crafts on the farm! Open to patients and survivors under 7 and their families! Registration is now OPEN! As part of our new system, registration is now completed exclusively through CampSite. Simply log into your account (or create one) and select Under 7 Family
- [Special Love Golf Tournament 2026](https://specialove.org/event/slgolf2026/) - SPECIAL LOVE 2026 GOLF TOURNAMENT FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2026 SHENANDOAH VALLEY GOLF CLUB 134 GOLF CLUB CIRCLE - FRONT ROYAL, VA 22630 ⛳ Tournament Details: 💚 9 AM shotgun start 💚 Exciting raffle drawings and 50/50 💚 Awards following the tournament 💚 Delicious breakfast and lunch provided We promise a great fun-filled day with friends
- [Parent's Day 2026](https://specialove.org/event/parents-day-2026/) - This is a day just for our parents. Take a well-deserved break and join us for Sip, Snack, Socialize at Barrel Oak Winery. Enjoy delicious wine, tasty bites, and great company—all while soaking in the beautiful vineyard views. Register here!
- [BRASS Weekend 2026](https://specialove.org/event/brass-weekend-2026/) - Join us for a weekend made just for our siblings! It's packed full of fun activities, crafts, games, and time to reconnect with your favorite BRASS campers. BRASS Weekend is open to brothers and sisters ages 7-17 who have a sibling with cancer within 5 years of their off-treatment date as well as bereaved siblings.
- [Holiday Party 2026](https://specialove.org/event/holiday-party-2026/) - Special Love’s annual Holiday Party is a kick-off for our families to what we hope will be a great holiday season. It’s also a chance thank our wonderful donors and volunteers who make everything Special Love does possible. Held at Pearl Street Warehouse in Washington, DC, the party provides fun activities for the whole family. Whether
- [Parent's Getaway Weekend 2026](https://specialove.org/event/parents-getaway-weekend-2026/) - Join us at Parents Getaway Weekend is a weekend solely for the parents of patients and survivors who are 25 years old or younger and still live at home, as well as bereaved parents. The weekend is planned for parents, by parents, to provide a safe place to share and support one another in a small
- [Valentine's Cookie Decorating](https://specialove.org/event/valentines-cookie-decorating/) - Join us and our friend Gina Parcells as we freshen up on our decorating skills with Valentine’s Cookies! Supplies will be provided. Save the Date: Saturday Feb. 7th, at 10:30am via Zoom! Register Here!
- [Octoberfest Weekend 2026](https://specialove.org/event/octoberfest-weekend-2026/) - Hold onto your haunted hats and save the date for Octoberfest, we’re going back to the Northern Virginia 4-H Center, home of the very first family weekend, for more fun at Octoberfest Family Weekend on October 9-11! We’ll have jack-o-lanterns, canoeing, haunted hikes, spooky campfires, yummy food, and more! It’s all open to families of patients,
- [Family Day at Williamsburg Campground 2026](https://specialove.org/event/family-day-at-williamsburg-campground-2026/) - Join us for Family Day at the Williamsburg Campground. Arts and crafts, games, food, and fun for the whole family. The day runs from 10am-3pm (but you can stick around and swim if you would like). We cannot wait to spend the day with our families from this area. Registration coming soon...
- [Ski Family Weekend](https://specialove.org/event/ski-family-weekend-2/) - Join us for a 3-day winter escape packed with skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and tons of snowy fun! It's an unforgettable weekend made for the whole family! Winter Weekend is open to families of children with cancer and survivors ages 17 and under, who are currently on treatment or within 5 years of treatment, and bereaved
- [Virtual Curly Turkeys](https://specialove.org/event/virtual-curly-turkeys/) - Get ready to gobble up some fun! Join us for a virtual craft event on Saturday, November 22nd at 10 AM for a fun fall activity. Curly Turkeys is a virtual craft event where kids can create their very own curly-feathered turkey to celebrate the Thanksgiving season. This hands-on activity is a great way for
- [Holiday Party 2025](https://specialove.org/event/holiday-party-2025/) - Save the date for Special Love’s annual Holiday Party is a kick-off for our families to what we hope will be a great holiday season. It’s also a chance thank our wonderful donors and volunteers who make everything Special Love does possible. Held at Pearl Street Warehouse in Washington, DC, the party provides fun activities
- [Parents' Getaway Weekend 2025](https://specialove.org/event/parents-getaway-weekend-2025-2/) - Join us at Parents Getaway Weekend is a weekend solely for the parents of patients and survivors who are 25 years old or younger and still live at home, as well as bereaved parents. The weekend is planned for parents, by parents, to provide a safe place to share and support one another in a
- [Octoberfest Weekend 2025](https://specialove.org/event/octoberfest2025/) - Hold onto your haunted hats and save the date for Octoberfest, we're going back to the Northern Virginia 4-H Center, home of the very first family weekend, for more fun at Octoberfest Family Weekend on October 10-12! We'll have jack-o-lanterns, canoeing, haunted hikes, and spooky campfires + food, stargazing, and more! It's all open to
- [Family Day at Williamsburg Campground 2025](https://specialove.org/event/familyday2025/) - Register now for Family Day at the Williamsburg Campground. Arts and crafts, games, food, and fun for the whole family, and it's all free! The day runs from 10am-3pm (but you can stick around and swim if you would like). We cannot wait to spend the day with our families from this area. Register for
- [Young Survivors Forum - Moving Forward 2024](https://specialove.org/event/movingforward24/) - The Young Survivors and Patients Forum is a dynamic event designed for young adult cancer survivors and current patients, offering a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. Participants will hear from inspiring speakers, engage in meaningful discussions, and access valuable resources that address the challenges faced by those navigating life after cancer. Whether you're
- [Special Love Golf Tournament 2025](https://specialove.org/event/slgolf25/) - Special Love Winchester Charity Golf Tournament Friday, June 6 Rock Harbor Golf Course - all proceeds benefit children with cancer and their families. Register today!
- [Camp Fantastic 2025](https://specialove.org/event/camp-fantastic-2025/) - Camp Fantastic 2025 Registration Is Open! Camp Fantastic (August 3-9, 2025) is our hallmark program—a week-long, medically supported summer adventure for kids ages 7–17 who are within 5 years of cancer treatment (or 7 years post bone marrow transplant). With on-site medical care, campers can focus on what matters most: having fun. From canoeing and
- [BRASS Camp 2025](https://specialove.org/event/brass-camp-2025/) - BRASS Camp (BRothers And SiSters Camp) Our annual salute to siblings is back! We’ll convene on July 13-19 at Camp Maria in Leonardtown, MD, for a week of fun, friendship, and adventure. The venue sits on the edge of Breton Bay (part of the Chesapeake Bay) so fishing, crabbing, and canoeing are part of the
- [Ride For A Reason 2025](https://specialove.org/event/r4ar2025/) - Since 1983, Special Love has provided a community of support for children with cancer and their families through free camps and adventure programs, emergency financial assistance, educational scholarships, and virtual programs. This charity motorcycle ride helps to raise funds to benefit those families! Join us @ Winchester Elks Lodge - May 17th, 2025 -
- [Summer Family Day 2025](https://specialove.org/event/sfd2025/) - Summer Family Day is a fun-filled gathering for all present (and future) Special Love families. We'll have everything from face painters, balloon artists, zip-lining, crafts, and outdoor games.. Food and friendship are of course on the menu. It’s a can’t-miss time for families who’ve together weathered one of the most grueling events a family can
- [Virtual Paper Pal Party: A Caricature Crafting Experience](https://specialove.org/event/paperportraits/) - Get ready to bring your creativity to life! Join us on Saturday, April 26th at 10 AM for a fun and interactive virtual craft session where we’ll be making whimsical caricatures out of construction paper. No drawing skills required—just your imagination! 📅 Date: Saturday, April 26th⏰ Time: 10 AM (EST)💻 Where: Online (link provided upon
- [Parents Day at Barrel Oak Winery](https://specialove.org/event/parentsday2025/) - ✨ Parents’ Day at Barrel Oak Winery! 🍷🥂 Calling all parents! Take a well-deserved break and join us for Sip, Snack, Socialize at Barrel Oak Winery. Enjoy delicious wine, tasty bites, and great company—all while soaking in the beautiful vineyard views. Registration is now open!
- [Under 7 Family Day 2025](https://specialove.org/event/under7day25/) - Join us for this fun-filled day of outside fun and arts and crafts on the farm! Open to patients and survivors under 7 and their families! Registration is now open!
- [BRASS Weekend 2025](https://specialove.org/event/brass-weekend-2025/) - Come be part of a weekend full of fun, friendship, and springtime adventures! Here's what we have planned: Cozy campfires Creative crafts Fun-filled games Lots of opportunities to connect and make lasting memories Who Can Join? We welcome brothers and sisters ages 7–17 who: Have a sibling with cancer (within 5 years of completing treatment)
- [Virtual Valentine's Bingo](https://specialove.org/event/valentinesbingo/) - Join us for Virtual Valentine's Bingo on Feb. 11th at 4:30 pm on Zoom. We'll have prizes for the winners and all supplies will be provided. We had so much fun at Winter Weekend, our hosts are returning to host this fun virtual program! Register here!
- [Special Love's Winter Weekend](https://specialove.org/event/ski-weekend2025/) - Join us for Winter Weekend! Open to families of patients and survivors who are 17-and-under and on or within 5 years of treatment, as well as bereaved families. Patients and survivors ages 18-25 may attend by themselves and will room with other young adults. Register here
- [Holiday Cookie Decorating](https://specialove.org/event/holidaycookies2024/) - We're excited to announce our next virtual activity - Holiday Cookie Decorating on Saturday, December 14th, at 11:00 am. Join us on Zoom for cookie decorating, holiday trivia, and more! The session is open to patients, survivors, and sibs ages 17-and-Under andsupplies are included, courtesy of SmileyCookie.com. The supplies will need to be mailed soon, so use the
- [Holiday Party](https://specialove.org/event/holiday2024/) - Special Love’s annual Holiday Party is a kick-off for our families to what we hope will be a great holiday season. It’s also a chance thank our wonderful donors and volunteers who make everything Special Love does possible. Held at Pearl Street Warehouse in Washington, DC, the party provides fun activities for the whole family.
- [Squishy Circuits Virtual Program with SVDM](https://specialove.org/event/squishycircuitsvirtual/) - Join us and our friends at Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum on October 23rd at 4:30 p.m! In the virtual program, you will have the opportunity to explore circuits and electricity, while also using your creativity to make light-up creations using conductive modeling dough. We'll start the session creating a basic paper circuit using conductive tape and
- [Special Love's Annual Gala 2024](https://specialove.org/event/annualgala2024/) - Join us and experience the excitement of Carnivale! Special Love’s Annual Gala will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024 at the Hilton-Tyson’s Corner, in support of children with cancer and their families. The evening will feature festive pieces of Carnivale along with cocktails, dinner, a silent auction, and the opportunity to learn from families about
- [Octoberfest Family Weekend 2024](https://specialove.org/event/octoberfest2024/) - Hold onto your haunted hats, we're going back to the Northern Virginia 4-H Center, home of the very first family weekend, for more fun at Octoberfest Family Weekend on October 11-13! We'll have jack-o-lanterns, canoeing, haunted hikes, and spooky campfires + food, stargazing, and more! It's all open to families of patients, survivors, and sibs
- [Family Day at Williamsburg Campground 2024](https://specialove.org/event/williamsburgfamilyday2024/) - Join us for Family Day at the Williamsburg Campground. Arts and crafts, games, food, and fun for the whole family, and its all free! The day runs from 10am-3pm (but you can stick around and swim if you would like). We cannot wait to spend the day with our families from this area. Register for
- [Special Love Golf Tournament 2024](https://specialove.org/event/slgolf24/) - Join us on June 28, 2024 for a spectacular golf outing at Rock Harbor Golf Club in Winchester, VA. You have a choice of an 8 am or 1:30 pm tee time (or both!) with a separate awards reception for each. We promise a great fun-filled day with friends while supporting children with cancer. Your
- [Camp Fantastic 2024](https://specialove.org/event/cf2024/) - Camp Fantastic (for patients/survivors) Our hallmark program is a week-long adventure for 7-17 patients and survivors who are within 5 years of treatment (or within 7 years of a bone marrow transplant). Medical care is provided on-site so campers can focus on fun – a ropes course, canoeing, swimming, cooking, sports, and more! Teens have
- [BRASS Camp 2024](https://specialove.org/event/brass2024/) - BRASS Camp (BRothers And SiSters Camp) Our annual salute to siblings is back! We’ll convene on July 21-27 at Camp Maria in Leonardtown, MD, for a week of fun, friendship, and adventure. The venue sits on the edge of Breton Bay (part of the Chesapeake Bay) so fishing, crabbing, and canoeing are part of the
- [The Wonders of Weather Virtual Program](https://specialove.org/event/weathervoice/) - Join us and our friends at the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, as we discover the wonder of weather through hands-on weather activities and experiments! We'll make instant snow, tornados in a bottle, and a rain cloud in a jar! It's all courtesy of our friends at the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum. Supplies included! Register here!
- [Virtual Chain Making with RAAM Team One Life](https://specialove.org/event/virtualchainmaking/) - Do you like riding a bike? How would you like to ride it 3000 miles?! Fortunately, you don't have to - our friends at Team One Life are going to do it for you! Join us on May 19th at 4 pm on Zoom to learn about the Race Across America and Team One Life. They
- [Summer Family Day](https://specialove.org/event/sfd2024/) - Summer Family Day is a fun-filled gathering for all present (and future) Special Love families. We'll have everything from face painters, balloon artists, zip-lining, crafts, and outdoor games.. Food and friendship are of course on the menu. It’s a can’t-miss time for families who’ve together weathered one of the most grueling events a family can
- [Parents Day](https://specialove.org/event/parents-day/) - Parents, a day just for you - to sip, snack, and socialize! Get away for the day at Barrel Oak Winery. Register for this day just for you here!
- [Under 7 Family Day 2024](https://specialove.org/event/under-7-family-day/) - Join us for this fun-filled day of outside fun and arts and crafts on the farm! And parents, join us for a separate time JUST FOR YOU! Open to patients and survivors under 7 and their families! More information to come!
- [BRASS Weekend 2024](https://specialove.org/event/brasswknd24/) - BRASS Weekend, March 1-3, 2024, is back at the 4H Center! Join us for a weekend full of fun! Open to brothers and sisters ages 7-17 who have a sibling with cancer within 5 years of their off treatment date as well as bereaved siblings. Register now!
- [Valentine's Cookie Decorating](https://specialove.org/event/valentinescookies/) - Join us and our friend Gina Parcells as we freshen up on our decorating skills with Valentine’s Cookies! Saturday Feb. 10th, at 11am via Zoom! Register here!
- [Family Winter Weekend](https://specialove.org/event/winterweekend2024/) - Special Love Winter Weekend is open to patients (and immediate family) who are 17 years of age and younger and who are on treatment or within 3 years of their off-treatment date, as well as bereaved families with "BRASS-aged" sibilngs (7-16 years old). We're combining our traditional Family Ski Weekend and our teen/young adult weekend again this
- [Holiday Party](https://specialove.org/event/holiday-party/) - Kick-off the Holiday Season with Special Love. Join us for a visit from Santa, fun gifts, face painters, balloon artists, good food, and a great time with great people! Register here! All Special Love Program Participants are required to adhere to our COVID-19 Policy
- [Parents Getaway Weekend](https://specialove.org/event/parentsweekend23/) - Parents Getaway Weekend is a weekend solely for the parents of patients and survivors who are 25 years old or younger and still live at home, as well as bereaved parents. The weekend is planned for parents, by parents, to provide a safe place to share and support one another in a small group setting;
- [Fall in Love 5K at Nats Park](https://specialove.org/event/5k23/) - Special Love’s Fall in Love 5k Walk/Run Join us for another great morning at National Park for the 11th Annual Fall in Love 5k walk/run on Sunday, October 8, 2023. Proceeds will help Special Love continue its 40-year history of providing a community of support for children with cancer and their families through free camps
- [Fabulous 5 Senses Virtual Program](https://specialove.org/event/5senses/) - Join our friends at Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum experience the five senses through exploration and experimentation! The session is perfect for patients, survivors, and sibs ages 4-12, but anyone 17 and under is welcome to join the fun. Register here!
- [Family Day @ Williamsburg Campground](https://specialove.org/event/familyday2023/) - Join us for Family Day at the Williamsburg Campground. Arts and crafts, games, food, and fun for the whole family! Register today here All Special Love Program Participants are required to adhere to our COVID-19 Policy
- [Octoberfest Family Weekend](https://specialove.org/event/octoberfest24/) - Hold onto your haunted hats, we're going back to Camp Horizon for more fun at Octoberfest Family Weekend on October 13-15! We'll have jack-o-lanterns, canoeing, haunted hikes, and spooky campfires , plus food, stargazing, and more! It's all open to families of patients, survivors, and sibs ages 17 and under who are within 7 years of
- [Special Love Golf Tournament](https://specialove.org/event/slgolf23/) - Join us on September 15, 2023 for a spectacular golf outing at Rock Harbor Golf Club in Winchester, VA. You have a choice of an 8 am or 1:30 pm tee time (or both!) with a separate awards reception for each. We promise a great fun-filled day with friends while supporting children with cancer. Your
- [CAMP FANTASTIC 2023](https://specialove.org/event/camp-fantastic2023/) - Camp Fantastic (for patients/survivors) Our hallmark program is a week-long adventure for 7-17 patients and survivors who are within 5 years of treatment (or within 7 years of a bone marrow transplant). Medical care is provided on-site so campers can focus on fun – a ropes course, canoeing, swimming, cooking, sports, and more! Teens have
- [Summer Family Day](https://specialove.org/event/40thsummerday/) - Summer Family Day is a fun-filled gathering for all past and present (and future) Special Love families. We are also celebrating Special Love's 40th year! We'll have everything from face painters, balloon artists, zip-lining, crafts, and outdoor games.. Food and fellowship are of course on the menu. It’s a can’t-miss time for families who’ve together
- [Flags of Valor Virtual Program](https://specialove.org/event/flags-of-valor-virtual-program/) - Just in time for Memorial Day: a virtual flag-making craft with Flags of Valor! Join us on Thursday, May 25th, at 4:30 pm to make two flags - one to keep and one to give to someone special. It's free and we'll send all the materials you'll need, as well as the Zoom link, once you've registered. The session is
- [BRASS Camp](https://specialove.org/event/brass-camp/) - BRASS Camp (BRothers And SiSters Camp) Our annual salute to siblings is back! We’ll convene on July 23-29 at Camp Maria in Leonardtown, MD, for a week of fun, friendship, and adventure. The venue sits on the edge of Breton Bay (part of the Chesapeake Bay) so fishing, crabbing, and canoeing are part of the
- [Virtual Programs with GWU's APO](https://specialove.org/event/virtual-events-with-gwus-apo/) - Join us for one or both of these Virtual Programs as our friends at George Washington University's Alpha Phi Omega (APO) host our virtual events for the week! Tuesday, April 11th, 7:00 pm – Just Dance Party with APO – join us as our friends from Alpha Phi Omega (APO) at George Washington University lead a
- [Under 7 Family Day](https://specialove.org/event/u7familyday/) - Join us as we re-vamped our Under 7 Fantastic Kiddos Program! Join us for this fun-filled day of outside fun and arts and crafts on the farm! And parents, join us for a separate time JUST FOR YOU! Open to patients and survivors under 7 and their families! Register here! All Special Love Program
- [Berry Cool DNA Virtual Program](https://specialove.org/event/berrycooldna/) - Berry Cool DNA Science Thursday, March 23, at 4:30 pm Join our friends at Thermo-Fisher as we extract DNA from a strawberry! Plus, we'll make a do-it-yourself Bubbling Lava Lamp (time permitting). The session is open to patients and survivors ages 8-and-up who are within 5 years of treatment as well as their age-appropriate siblings.
- [Special Love's Winter Weekend](https://specialove.org/event/special-loves-winter-weekend/) - Winter is coming! It's a good thing, too, because that means it's time for Special Love's Winter Weekend - and this year there's a twist. We've combined our two traditional January outings - teen/young adult weekend and Family Ski Weekend - and created one blowout, 3-day weekend at Canaan Valley Resort in West Virginia. The event will be open
- [Cookie Dough Concrete Virtual Program](https://specialove.org/event/cookie-dough-concrete-virtual-program/) - Join our friends at Clark Construction for a fun virtual program (that you can eat.) Learn all about the process of making and mixing concrete, but unlike concrete, these results won't break your teeth. Cookie Dough Concrete! (A VOICE adventure hosted by our friends at Clark Construction) Thursday, January 19th, 4:30 pm on Zoom Supplies
- [Childhood Cancer Awareness Month](https://specialove.org/event/childhood-cancer-awareness-month/) - Go Gold for Childhood Cancer in the month of September!
- [Holiday Party](https://specialove.org/event/holidayparty2022/) - Special Love’s annual Holiday Party is a kick-off for our families to what we hope will be a great holiday season. It’s also a chance thank our wonderful donors and volunteers who make everything Special Love does possible.
- [Parents Getaway Weekend](https://specialove.org/event/parentsweekend2022/) - Registration is now open for our Annual Parents Getaway Weekend! November 19-20, 2022 Hyatt, Tysons Corner This free weekend is solely for the parents to provide them a safe place to share and support one another in a small group setting with discussion's and activities, while enjoying a little pampering and fun. Saturday afternoon enjoy;
- [Fall in Love 5k Walk/Run](https://specialove.org/event/5k/) - Break out your running or walking shoes and join us on Saturday, October 29th for our 10th Annual Fall in Love 5k Walk/Run at Nationals Ballpark. Come walk or run with us and enjoy the ballpark like you never have before. Start the 5k through the parks concourse before moving out and around the beautiful
- [Annual Gala](https://specialove.org/event/annual-gala/) - Gala attendees have the opportunity to visit with our young Special Love Ambassadors to learn first-hand the impact Special Love has had in their young lives, in addition to wonderful food, entertainment and exciting silent auction items.
- [BRASS Weekend 2022](https://specialove.org/event/brass2022/) - BRASS Weekend, Oct. 14-16th, 2022 at Camp Horizons Join us for fall fun with crafts, games, and Halloween fun! Open to brothers and sisters ages 7-17 who have a sibling with cancer within 5 years of their off treatment date as well as bereaved siblings. Register here
- [Fall Family Day @ KOA Williamsburg](https://specialove.org/event/fallfamilyday/) - Join us for a day at the KOA filled with crafts, games, hiking, frisbee golf, good food, and hanging out on the giant spiderweb! Register here!
- [(More!) Amazing Animals with Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum](https://specialove.org/event/more-amazing-animals-with-shenandoah-valley-discovery-museum/) - Join us for another fun Amazing Animals session with Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum! Register here!
- [OctoberFest Family Weekend](https://specialove.org/event/octoberfest/) - This event is open to the families of patients, survivors and bereaved families up to 5 years off treatment.
- [YAC Retreat](https://specialove.org/event/yac-retreat/) - YAC is back! Patients and survivors ages 18-25 are invited to join us in Stafford, VA for a day of fun and relaxation. Join us for kayaking, paddle-boarding, nature walking, crafts, and lunch on us. More information on the location provided after sign-ups! Register here!
- [Summer Celebration Day at Smokey Glen Farm](https://specialove.org/event/summer-celebration-day-at-smokey-glen-farm-2/) - Join us for the last of our Summer Celebration Days! You won't want to miss: Ziplining Balloon Art Face Painting A Delicious BBQ Lunch Fun Arts & Crafts for the whole family Register here!
- [Beyond Juggling Virtual Event](https://specialove.org/event/beyond-juggling-virtual-event/) - Join Dr. Jacob Weiss, professional juggler, entertainer, and director of “HandEyeBody Academy” for an engaging hour that goes WAY beyond juggling. You’ll do things that will blow your mind (and you’ll also get a set of professional-grade juggling balls and scarves)! No juggling experience necessary. If you think you can't juggle, this activity is designed
- [Virtual Robotics Lab](https://specialove.org/event/virtual-robotics-lab/) - Special Love's VOICE (Virtual Online In-home Camp Experiences) is back - and so are the robots! Join professional robot engineer Viktor Orekhov for a return to the Robot Lab. You'll build a robot that stacks dominos so you can knock 'em down! Use the button below to register before August 5th and we'll ship your
- [Unlock Your Super Power Virtual Martial Arts](https://specialove.org/event/unlock-your-super-power/) - Join us for “Unlock Your Super Power,” a virtual martial arts session led by our friends at Heroes Circle, on Wednesday, June 29th, at 4:30 pm. You’ll learn how to use non-contact martial arts to take control of your body and reduce stress and pain, both during your cancer battle and beyond it! The session
- [Summer Celebration Day at Burke Lake](https://specialove.org/event/summer-celebration-day-at-burke-lake/) - Join us for 1 or all 3 of our Summer Celebration Days in July! July 12th - Smokey Glen Farm July 14th - Burke Lake July 19th - KOA Williamsburg Special Love's COVID19 Policy is mandatory for participation. View policy here Register at the link below! https://secure.specialove.org/eventReg.jsp?event=650&
- [Summer Celebration Day at Smokey Glen Farm](https://specialove.org/event/summer-celebration-day-at-smokey-glen-farm/) - Join us for 1 or all 3 of our Summer Celebration Days in July! July 12th - Smokey Glen Farm July 14th - Burke Lake July 19th - KOA Williamsburg Special Love's COVID19 Policy is mandatory for participation. View policy here Register at the link below! https://secure.specialove.org/eventReg.jsp?event=650&
- [Summer Celebration Day in Reston](https://specialove.org/event/summer-family-friends-day/) - Join us for a fun-filled day at Lake Fairfax Park! We have fun activities planned throughout the day, including arts and crafts, fishing, paddle boats, and even a train ride! Only fully vaccinated individuals are allowed to participate, and must show proof of vaccination and negative antigen test 24 hours before attending. For our full
- [Virtual Summer Kick-Off Party](https://specialove.org/event/virtual-summer-kick-off-party/) - Summer is finally here. Join us for our virtual Summer Kick-off Party on zoom with virtual tunes, games, and a sneak peak at our upcoming Summer Celebration Days! Register here https://bit.ly/SLSummerKickOffParty
- [Special Love Golf Tournament](https://specialove.org/event/golf/) - Join us for a round of golf at the beautiful Rock Harbor Golf Course in Winchester, Virginia. We have two flights, a morning flight at 8:00am, and afternoon flight at 1:30pm.
- [Family Day at KOA Williamsburg](https://specialove.org/event/tidewater-day-at-the-koa/) - Special Love is back to in-person programming and we'd love to see you at our first outdoor adventure, Family Day at KOA Williamsburg, on May 21st! We'll have all the camp fun we've been missing since 2020, including hiking, sports, crafts, and hanging out on the giant spider's web. The event is open to families of patients
- [Virtual Amazing Animals](https://specialove.org/event/virtual-amazing-animals/) - Join Madelyn from the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum for "Amazing Animals." She'll explore aquatic life through some hands-on experiments and special guests so you can see for yourself some of the super rad adaptations that these animals have that live in the water, and how they survive and thrive in that environment. Register by April
- [YAC Game Night](https://specialove.org/event/yac-game-night/) - Open to Young Adults and Survivors Ages 18-30 Join Olivia and Serena for a fun virtual game night and socializing! Be sure and register ahead so you can get the link! https://secure.specialove.org/eventReg.jsp?event=644& For questions, contact Angela Ashman aashman@specialove.org
- [February's Virtual Program](https://specialove.org/event/februarys-virtual-program/) - You'll LOVE our Valentines-themed craft activity (see what we did there?) hosted by Jackson and Kristen Graney. It's open to patients, survivors, and siblings ages 17 and under who are within 5 years of treatment, and all supplies are included. Registration ends on Jan. 28th, so sign up today! https://bit.ly/3JHmgKg
- [Winter Chill: Virtual Teen Night](https://specialove.org/event/winter-chill-virtual-teen-night/) - Join us for a mid-winter chance to chill and catch-up with your camp friends (even the ones you haven't made yet!) Winter Chill is open to patients, survivors, and sibs ages 13-and-up who are within 5 years of treatment or bereaved. Register here: https://secure.specialove.org/eventReg.jsp?event=641&
- [Young Adults with Cancer Weekend ](https://specialove.org/event/young-adults-with-cancer-weekend/) - YAC Weekend is a weekend designed especially for young adult cancer survivors –- ages 18 to 30 –- who are affectionately known in our community as “YACers.”
- [April's Virtual Program](https://specialove.org/event/aprils-virtual-program/) - Stay tuned for the details about our spring virtual program!
- [Santa Chats](https://specialove.org/event/santa-chats/) - We won't get to be with the Big Guy at our Holiday Party, so we've scheduled time to chat with him virtually. Sign up now! We are offering TWO dates: December 5th and December 12th! Register by Nov. 27th to get a special "Santa surprise" in the mail! Open to families of patients, survivors, and
- [Mad Science with the SVDM](https://specialove.org/event/mad-science-with-the-svdm/) - We're thrilled to announce a bonus VOICE activity, courtesy of the Shenandoah Children's Discovery Museum! Join us on Monday, November 15th, at 4:30 pm for "Mad Science," a chance for your crazy chemist (ages 7 and up) to learn about compounds by mixing together common household ingredients. (Don't worry, nothing will explode...) Supplies are limited to the first
- [Virtual Parents Night](https://specialove.org/event/parents-getaway-weekend/) - Each November, Special Love hosts a weekend just for the parents, providing them with a safe, nurturing environment to share and support one another in small group settings designed to be informative and healing.
- [BRASS Weekend](https://specialove.org/event/brass-weekend/) - This event will be held virtually again this year, but will be great fun! Siblings of cancer patients, ages 7-17, are encouraged to join us for a fall themed day!
- [Crafty Kites with David Tutera](https://specialove.org/event/crafty-kites-with-david-tutera/) - Join David Tutera on June 5th for FREE kite-making! Patients, survivors, and siblings who are within 5 years of their off-treatment date or are bereaved can register.

## Categories

- [News](https://specialove.org/category/news/)
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- [Reunion Weekend](https://specialove.org/category/reunion-weekend/)
- [Siblings](https://specialove.org/category/siblings/)
- [BRASS Camp](https://specialove.org/category/brass-camp/)
- [Parents](https://specialove.org/category/parents/)

## Tags

- [camp](https://specialove.org/tag/camp/)
- [survivorship](https://specialove.org/tag/survivorship/)
- [war stories](https://specialove.org/tag/war-stories/)
- [yac](https://specialove.org/tag/yac/)
- [yac weekend](https://specialove.org/tag/yac-weekend/)
- [young adult](https://specialove.org/tag/young-adult/)
- [Congratulations](https://specialove.org/tag/congratulations/)
- [Thank You](https://specialove.org/tag/thank-you/)
- [saying goodbye](https://specialove.org/tag/saying-goodbye/)
- [family weekend](https://specialove.org/tag/family-weekend/)
- [future](https://specialove.org/tag/future/)
- [june](https://specialove.org/tag/june/)
- [reunion](https://specialove.org/tag/reunion/)
- [reunion weekend](https://specialove.org/tag/reunion-weekend/)
- [spring](https://specialove.org/tag/spring/)
- [spring weekend](https://specialove.org/tag/spring-weekend/)
- [Risk](https://specialove.org/tag/risk/)
- [Special Love](https://specialove.org/tag/special-love/)
- [Activities](https://specialove.org/tag/activities/)
- [Camper](https://specialove.org/tag/camper/)
- [day one](https://specialove.org/tag/day-one/)
- [Media](https://specialove.org/tag/media/)
- [Medline](https://specialove.org/tag/medline/)
- [30th Anniversary](https://specialove.org/tag/30th-anniversary/)
- [Blog](https://specialove.org/tag/blog/)
- [Heroes](https://specialove.org/tag/heroes/)
- [Camp Fantastic](https://specialove.org/tag/camp-fantastic-2/)
- [leader](https://specialove.org/tag/leader/)
- [lit](https://specialove.org/tag/lit/)
- [remember](https://specialove.org/tag/remember/)
- [children with cancer](https://specialove.org/tag/children-with-cancer/)
- [pediatric cancer camp](https://specialove.org/tag/pediatric-cancer-camp/)
- [NIH](https://specialove.org/tag/nih/)
- [pediatric cancer](https://specialove.org/tag/pediatric-cancer/)
- [sibling camp](https://specialove.org/tag/sibling-camp/)
- [Travel](https://specialove.org/tag/travel/)
- [Sibling Support](https://specialove.org/tag/sibling-support/)
- [Photography](https://specialove.org/tag/photography/)
- [Online Journal](https://specialove.org/tag/online-journal/)
- [Housing](https://specialove.org/tag/housing/)
- [Advanced Cancer](https://specialove.org/tag/advanced-cancer/)
- [Bereaved](https://specialove.org/tag/bereaved/)
- [Peer to Peer](https://specialove.org/tag/peer-to-peer/)
- [Siblings](https://specialove.org/tag/siblings/)
- [All in one platform](https://specialove.org/tag/all-in-one-platform/)
- [funding resources](https://specialove.org/tag/funding-resources/)

## Personnel Types

- [Board of Directors](https://specialove.org/?personnel_type_tax=board-of-directors)
- [Staff](https://specialove.org/?personnel_type_tax=staff)
- [Profiles](https://specialove.org/?personnel_type_tax=profiles)

## Audiences

- [Patients](https://specialove.org/audience_tax/patients/)

## Event Categories

- [Camps/Programs](https://specialove.org/events/category/camps-programs/)
- [Families](https://specialove.org/events/category/camps-programs/families/)
- [Siblings](https://specialove.org/events/category/camps-programs/siblings/)
- [Patients](https://specialove.org/events/category/camps-programs/patients/)
- [Fundraising](https://specialove.org/events/category/fundraising/)