I love Tony Robbin’s quote, “The Secret to Living is Giving.”
Daniele Ceccato and I at DMC Travel Tailor believe whole-heartedly in this concept. This is why one of our themes is “Travel with Intention.” We want to give back and we decided to do so with a local charity, here in Charleston called Camp Happy Days.
Camp Happy Day’s mission is to offer support and encouragement to children diagnosed with cancer and their families by providing cost-free year-round programs, special events and access to crisis resources. Their goal is to improve the physical, emotional and mental health of the entire family facing pediatric cancer.
Five percent of our total profit goes to Camp Happy Days. We will be volunteering our time with their “Dream Dates” program so we can also have a hands-on role in giving back. I asked Julia Passos, former Development and Special Events Manager, some questions to get an insider’s peek of what Camp Happy Days is about.
Interview with Julia:
Stefany: What is the Dream Dates Program? Julia: This program is a very special day created specifically to a child that is struggling with their cancer treatment or to celebrate their end of treatment. The whole day is based on the child’s interests and dreams.
Stefany: What do the kids think of Dream Dates? Julia: The kids feel like their dreams are coming true for the day. They get to have a day that is all about them and it makes them feel special. It is one of their favorite days that they can hold onto throughout the treatment.
Stefany: What is the benefit they get from going on a Dream Date? Julia: The child gets to feel like a kid again on a Dream Date. They can forget even just for a day about their cancer, painful treatments, and everything else that comes with it. The special day provides them with a chance to have fun, be with their family, and celebrate together. This can be so beneficial especially before a child prepares for an especially painful or long treatment in the hospital. It is so beneficial for both the child and the family as a whole.
Stefany: What is the hardest part of your job? Julia: It can be very difficult seeing what these children and their families go through. Pediatric Cancer is life threatening and sadly, we don’t always get to see these kids grow up and become healthy. This is why it’s so important to make these special moments for the kids and their families every chance we get.
Stefany: What is the most rewarding part of your job? Julia: Being blessed to be a part of the magic of Camp Happy Days is very difficult to describe. These kids go through more than most people will their whole life. However, to see the hope, courage, and strength these kids portray through it all is truly life changing. There is nothing more special than the days we see these kids smiling, laughing, and just being a kid despite all they have been through. To see those moments of pure joy on a child’s face, shared among friends who understand one another and what it means to battle cancer, that is a true reward.
Travel with DMC Travel Tailor and help us help to make this world a better place one person at a time. Alone we are strong…together we are stronger!
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