PJ's Marathon for kids with cancer!
My Story
My name is PJ, I am a cancer survivor of 12 years, and I have been involved with camp ever since my diagnosis. This organization has given me so much, and now it's my turn to give back.
Early one Saturday morning when I was 11 years old, my parents found me writhing on the floor in pain. They rushed me to the ER, and a cat scan revealed that I had an "intussusception." This happens when your small intestine telescopes inside of your large intestine, and mine were blocked by a cancerous tumor. After a brief surgery, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of B-Cell Lymphona that doubles in size every 24 hours. I was lucky, however, because we caught mine in stage 2. If it had been any later I might not be here today, so I owe my life to that intussusception.
My treatment was 9 weeks of regular, intense chemotherapy. I was miserable. It felt like as soon as I began to feel better, it was time for another dose to knock me down again. Those days were some of the worst weeks of my life, and I felt like my youth had been stripped away from me.
One day, my nurse at the hospital told me about a summer camp for kids like me. At first, I was skeptical -- why would I want to hang out with a bunch of miserable zombies like myself?
Eventually, I decided to go, and immediately, I was welcomed with open arms. When I wanted to sit out from games and wallow, the kids and counselors picked me up and made me feel included, They didn't take no for an answer (in a good way). I made some of my best friends in a matter of hours -- people who deeply understood me and made me feel like I belonged.
I had NEVER recovered from chemo that quickly before. At home, it would take me days to even get out of bed. At camp, I literally was running around like a normal kid again in less than 2 days. It was a miracle and I felt like I got my childhood back. I EVEN PASSED THE SWIM TEST!
Camp gave me a support network of meaningful connections with people who made me feel like myself. These are dear friends of mine, and several people I still see to this day (12 years later).
Camp taught me about self-acceptance and accepting others. As I grew up attending their programs, I feel like it made me a more mature and empathetic person.
Most importantly, Camp completely changed my perspective about my condition. Cancer was never something to be ashamed of or a cause for self-pity. At 11 years old, I learned to completely own it as a part of myself.
Now I see cancer as both one of the worst - and best - things to ever happen to me.
I still volunteer with this organization to this day, and many of the campers I met are still dear friends of mine.
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Team One Step supports Camp One Step by Children's Oncology Services, an organization that operates camps and other recreational and educational experiences for children who have been diagnosed with cancer. One Step Programs aim to cure the spirit by providing an environment of hope, strength, and empowerment. During the pandemic, Camp One Step pivoted to offer virtual camps so now they can serve more children than ever before- even in their hospital beds.
I hope you will consider supporting my journey as I raise funds to support children diagnosed with cancer. Thank you for your time!
Bird Walk!
A Summer Camp tradition, the first morning of Camp, Standard (7-10yrs) and Excel (17-18yrs) go on a Bird Walk together before breakfast.
CampCraft
Between the ages of 13-16, campers get to choose between 4 different programs to attend for summer camp. I chose "Campcraft," and they taught me about camping, survival skills, plants, canoeing, etc. The list goes on. I developed a love for the outdoors and the environment around me.
Utah Ski Trip
Camp partners with the National Ability Center in Utah to host a week-long ski trip in the winter. I learned how to snowboard because of camp, and it's one of my favorite hobbies ever. This is me with my instructor, Fatu. He has one arm and is one of the most free-spirited and positive people I know.
Us Bald Kids Gotta Stick Together
Me (12) and my two new best friends on our first week of Camp One Step. Ed and Mitch are still dear friends of mine to this day.
Camp 2024!
This year, I volunteered as a counselor with some of the people who I was a camper alongside. We had so many full circle moments, and it was incredibly fulfilling to spend a week watching these kids grow.
My Supporters
- Emmett Glazer October 2024 $15.00
- Dani Sullivan October 2024 $10.00
- Nayelli Reyna I remember when you would tell me about One Step in high school; now here you are continuing your passion and commitment to patients and survivors. Go get that medal for them ❤️ October 2024 $50.00
- Julie Hecktman Go PJ!! October 2024 $25.00
- Alyssa Kueffner Good luck running the marathon, PJ! We're cheering you on from the suburbs! October 2024 $50.00
- Nicole Quick As a friend of Amy’s and a Team One Step member in 2021, you are an inspiration PJ!! Enjoy your first marathon!! October 2024 $300.00
- Reid Sanders October 2024 $250.00
- Joni & Vinn Beigh Go PJ! April 2024 $250.00
- Melanie Marquez PJ, I love your dedication to giving back. You are inspiring. October 2024 $100.00
- Kristin Mateja Best of luck to you in the marathon, PJ -- we'll be cheering for you! September 2024 $100.00