Family, Friends, Colleagues, and Anyone I "Hope" You Share this With!

Over the last few years and since my life-saving surgery at Hopkins eleven years ago, I've reflected on the memories of living with undiagnosed pancreatic disease as a child. Today, and because of Rebecca Taylor, Rebecca's Wish and Camp Hope now exist to help kids with pancreatic disease. They can get diagnosed earlier and have a very much-needed support system. 

When Rebecca was a little girl struggling with pancreatic disease and other major issues, she was approached by Make-a-Wish as to what her wish request would be. Rebecca's Wish was “I want to meet with a medical philanthropist, who can help me start a charity to help kids like me so they don’t have to suffer like I did."  Her wish came true.

I am hiking again this year (climbing the Menitou Incline in Colorado) to support Rebecca's WIsh and Camp Hope and all the kids like me with pancreatic disease.  And exactly for the same reason.  So they don't have to suffer like I did.  I'll tell you a little more here so you can understand why I implore you to help.  Camp Hope doesn't have all kinds of fancy advertisements.  They don't get $1 from the grocery store check out kiosk. Football players don't wear shirts for them.  But they need us very badly.

A few years after my surgery, my very good friend (I feel like he is my adopted nephew), Ryan Espuga, needed the TP-AIT.  After Ryan's surgery, we remain forever friends, and support one another. The disease is not gone, it's just changed since TP-AIT and now we can live full lives. Ryan began a fundraiser for Camp Hope.  Each year is a different hike in Colorado. I hiked last year, and I'll do it every year with Ryan!

Please, if you have a few moments, ready my long story here --> https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/sb39gfszmxh56zlv1sc6h/EZ-CampHope.pdf?rlkey=o7swa73n0vd9rx2eky4wbd5wr&st=b18e5r9c&dl=0  (Ugly link, but it works!) You will see why your support is so helpful and first hand what it is like to have chronic pancreatitis and to have your pancreas removed. So you can understand what these kids are going through every day. 

Camp Hope is a truly special, one-of-a-kind summer camp where children and teens affected by pediatric pancreatitis can come together to have fun, build friendships, and be surrounded by others who understand their journey. Camp Hope was created through the partnership of Rebecca’s Wish and the National Pancreas Foundation.

This camp offers something truly special: a safe, medically supported summer camp where kids can laugh, play, build friendships, and gain confidence—often for the first time surrounded by others who truly understand what living with pancreatitis is like. It’s a place where they can feel safe, seen, supported, and empowered!

Your support helps cover medical staff, specialized care, activities, meals, and the overall camp experience, allowing families to focus on joy instead of cost. Thank you for supporting Camp Hope and for helping create unforgettable memories for kids who need it the most.  Don't forget to add a few dollars to Jude Nifong, my amazing nephew who is joining us this year!!!  Thank you so much, Jude!  Love you tons!

For more information about pediatric pancreatitis go to www.rebeccaswish.org 

Yours in Peace and Hope,

Erin