A summer retreat full of Sunshine

This News by You was submitted by Stacie Bauer.

Since my son, Zach, was only 19 days old, he has been suffering from a rare genetic condition called Retinoblastoma (RB), a form of eye cancer causing tumors to grow on the retina. Zach just turned 4 last week and already has endured chemotherapy and other various laser treatments. We are fortunate enough Zach has not suffered any vision loss. But my husband, Ty, has too been afflicted by this rare cancer since a very young age, has lost vision in one eye due to RB.

In this particular situation, I not only have a husband but a young child living with this rare disease; there are not many places to go to for emotional support. Where can we turn to as a family or as individuals for healing of emotions or just meet someone else in a similar situation to relate to? My daughter, Laynee, and I will never know exactly what Ty and Zach will go through. My husband did not meet another person with RB until he was 32 years old, I didn't want my son Zach to go through life not having the support he needs.

It wasn't until two months ago Tropical Smoothie Café reached out to my family and opened our eyes to a place where my family wouldn't feel alone. A special place called Camp Sunshine.

Camp Sunshine is a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The organization provides respite, support, joy and hope. Camp Sunshine 's focus is to alleviate the strain on not only the sick child but also on other members of the family.

Tropical Smoothie Café heard about my family's story and gave us the greatest gift, the opportunity to go to Camp Sunshine. This past June, my family and I traveled to Sebago Lake in Maine for one of the single greatest and inspirational trips my family has ever experienced.

Although Zach and Delaney are still young and will not fully understand the importance of Camp Sunshine until they become older, my husband and I cannot express the joy and happiness we felt as a family while at Camp Sunshine. From the camp counselors to the families who face the same obstacles, it was seven days of emotional support.

We cannot express enough how thankful we are to everyone who contributed, it means the world to my family. We look forward to coming back next year.

About Camp Sunshine

Founded in 1984, Camp Sunshine is a year-round retreat, which provides respite, support, joy and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate families through various stages of a child's illness. The camp is free of charge to all families, and includes 24-hour onsite medical and psychosocial support. Bereavement groups are also offered for families who have lost a child to an illness. Camp Sunshine is nestled in the tranquil natural beauty of Sebago Lake, Maine adjacent to Point Sebago Resort. The Camp Sunshine Campus can accommodate 40 families each week, and assists over 1,200 families a year. For more information, visit www.campsunshine.org.

Ty Bauer and his son, Zach, at Camp Sunshine.