Publications
A Patient's Voice
Family Matters - Summer 2009
Emily Garcia
Emily Garcia is 17 years old and will be a senior this year at Brazosport Christian School in Lake Jackson, Texas. This summer she served as a counselor at M. D. Anderson’s Camp Star Trails for the first time. This story about her camp experience is written in her words.
Being a C.I.T. (Counselor in Training) was so amazing to me. It is so different being on the other side this time around. I was a camper at Camp Star Trails for two years, and I remember having so much fun and meeting so many new friends. Many of the kids I met I still keep in touch with. When I was too old to attend Camp Star Trails, I couldn’t wait to be old enough to go back as a C.I.T.
Being a C.I.T. is very different from being a camper. It is still a lot of fun, but it is also a lot of work. The kids at Camp Star Trails are cancer patients and their siblings, but sometimes you can’t tell who is a patient and who is a sibling. They are just kids having fun. They laugh and play and are just full of so much joy!
I remember a five year old girl that I met while I was swimming in the pool, and she was going through cancer treatment, but you could not tell that at all by her attitude. She was just so full of energy and just made you smile every time you saw her. That is what Camp Star Trails does for kids with cancer. It makes them feel like they are regular kids for just a little while. It lets them do things that normal kids do. Camp makes them forget about cancer and hospitals and doctors for an entire week!
I am so glad I got to be part of Camp Star Trails again and helped kids have a week of fun. I can’t wait until next year!
- Emily Garcia
In This Issue
Tips for Caregivers: Help Your Next Clinic Visit Run More Smoothly
A Survivor's Story: Garrett and Gatlin Stringer
Behind the Scene: Andrea Hayes-Jordan
A Patient's Voice: Emily Garcia
Medical Matters: Pediatric Research Spotlighted at National Conference
Helping Hands: Fighting Cancer One Toga Party at a Time
Family-Centered Care: We Need Your Input
Art Corner: Children's Art Project Brings Special Canine Guests for a Visit
What's New: Check out a list of upcoming events with the Children's Cancer Hospital
Support for You: Summer Programs Bring Fun Memories for Patients and Siblings
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