Megan K's Story:

It is amazing how time flies by. I know that everyone says that, but at a time like this it is really evident. Seems like yesterday that Megan just turned six and we brought her to camp for the first time. I cried most of the way home like I suppose most first time moms do. When we picked her up a week later and she came running to me I thought for sure that she had a miserable time and I had made such a big mistake sending her when she was so young. After the hug my questions was answered. Megan smiled one of her huge smiles and asked, “Mom, can I stay another week?” From that day forward, I know that camp would always play a special part in her life. She talked about it year round and when school would get out, we would start preparing for camp. Nothing else mattered during summer except camp.

It didn’t seem to take long for Megan to be known around camp. We found that especially true the last few years. As her disease process began to take away from of her motor function, her spirit shown through even more. She couldn’t wait to tell me about going to the zip line last year when we picked her up for the 7th year. The mom in me freaked out of course, but my heart jumped with joy that she wasn’t going to let her wheelchair stop her fun. Her royal highness got a Queen’s send off as everyone waved as we strolled through the line of other campers waiting for their rides.

June will be a hard month for us this year. Not only will Megan not be with us for her 13th birthday, but we will not be making our familiar run to Boone. Our hearts will be there and we all know that Megan will be there in spirit too. We are so thankful that Children's Cancer Connection has the sibling camp in the fall. This year I think it will be good for Megan’s sisters to share with friends the loss of their sister. I’m sure there are others that unfortunately know their pain and will help them along their journey of grief. I also expect that they will spend the majority of the time enjoying being a kid and the activities of camp.

We can’t thank Children's Cancer Connection enough for what they have done for our family over the years. You are like family to us and will remain in our hearts forever.

God Bless,

The Family of Megan K.