Retreat gives a break to moms of kids with cancer
A group of moms is getting a chance to relax and rejuvenate at camp this weekend. However, this isn’t just any camp and these aren’t just any moms.
“We found that this is probably one of the most powerful camps we do,” said Ann Walsh, founder of Camp Magical Moments, a camp for kids with cancer.
The moms have one major thing in common. They are all the parent of a child who has or had cancer. This weekend at Camp Magical Moments is a chance for them to relax, recuperate and focus on themselves. They also get the opportunity to connect with other moms who know exactly what they are going through.
“I can’t describe how important it is,” said La Tisha Wammack, a mom attending mom’s weekend for the first time. “You have to have somebody that’s been there. You need someone to talk to. Your friends have not gone through this, and you would never want them to, but you need to make some friends of someone who understands.”
The moms get make-up lessons, styling sessions, art classes, and a spa day. There is also a psychologist to talk to about any emotions they are dealing with. Between that and talking to other moms, the women get a chance to open up about the struggles of having a child with cancer.
“One of the moms came up to me this morning and she gave me a hug because she’s like, ‘You don’t understand,'” Walsh said. “‘For four years I’ve been dealing with having my child with cancer and to know that there are other moms who can relate what I’ve gone through and I can talk to them about it.”
This is the eigth year for the mom’s weekend retreat at Camp Magical Moments. Several moms have attended every year, through the good times and the bad.
“I started coming when my son had cancer and I’ve been coming throughout the years of also losing him,” said Emily Leonard, who has attended the camp every year. “And no matter what the situation there is love and support and welcoming and friendship and a chance to relax and put yourself back together.”
Camp Magical Moments hosts a weekly summer camp for kids with cancer every year. They also do a sibling’s weekend and a dad’s weekend.
