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Working for MGM Resorts International, it is so awesome to hear that they are great contributors to the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, so when my wife was planning to volunteer her time at Camp Cartwheel at Torino Ranch, I immediately told her I wanted in.
To give you an idea of what the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation is about, here's a bit of info off of their pamphlet:
"Established in 1993, the Mission of the NCCF is to provide social, emotional, educational, and psychological support services and programs to families of ALL children diagnosed with life threatening or critical illnesses such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell, hemophilia, renal disorders, and immunologic diseases and provide healing arts and wellness programs to adults touched by cancer.
#F@!kCancer
Many of us have lost a loved one or at least know of someone who is battling cancer, and knowing all this ahead of time as we made the trek to Torino Ranch made me a bit nervous, but very anxious to be with the kids as they were on the last day of their two weeks at Camp Cartwheel. Entering the gates at Torino Ranch, we parked at a designated lot and left all smartphones in our car (no service in the area, and no photography, especially of of the children are allowed)which is good, because if you ever get to volunteer at Camp Cartwheel, this is where you decompress from our chaotic usual surroundings, and just use your natural senses to take this memorable moment in without the constant distraction of technology.
We first met up with Stephanie Parker, the Vice President of the NCCF who briefed us on what to expect during our visit and unexpectedly, tears started to flow as I heard sounds of the kids' innocent laughter and shouts of fun and excitement of children having a blast in the background(we haven't seen any of them yet at this point ) knowing the chronic illnesses that these kids were dealing with, this was their escape, their safe space, their "Disneyland" where they could just be themselves and not worry about getting weird stares and being made fun of. All kids and volunteers at Camp Cartwheel have nicknames, so no one really knows each other here, but strong bonds and friendships are made during the two week period.
We got to see the kids in their element, as a dance party, volleyball game, and crafts were going on simultaneously. Kids also had scuba lessons at a nearby pool and were also putting the final touches on their beautiful artwork which are scheduled to be auctioned off during NCCF's 22nd Annual Profiles of Courage Gala at Bellagio 's Grand Ballroom on November 21st, 2015. Walking the grounds, it was like their little own town away from the outside world-Their little cabins, a beautiful greenhouse, a doctor's office in case of an incident or emergency, and even a little store where the kids get to shop for all kinds of stuff free of charge. Inside the store, we met "MOS",(Mother of Seven) who runs the store and is also a parent of a child who battled cancer. Telling us about her child's courageous battle which she lost at the age of 16, everyone was in tears. (My Yelp glasses came in handy!) We gathered outside the store and everyone got to make and eat their own ice cream using ziploc bags, ice, and salt. YUM!
It was lunch time for the kids, and we were starting to feel like guests more than volunteers as we were treated to a delicious Beef Chili lunch complete with salad, dinner roll and tortilla chips. It was about this time where a little fella by the name of "Mariner" approached me, introduced himself, asked me and Wifey how our lunch was, and showed me his cool charms, bracelets, and necklace they made in art class, explained why he was wearing a tutu(yes, a dude with a tutu LOL!) with Seahawks colors(He was a huge fan of both Seattle teams, hence the tutu and nickname) While taking in the scenery as well as the experience so far, we were happy to contribute with a dessert buffet of store bought and homemade sweets which definitely put a smile on the kids' faces.
We walked down to the lake after lunch where we were able to participate with the kids in their various activities-Kayaking on the lake, Rock Climbing Wall, and even "Dinosaur Egg" Paintball (Paint soaked sponges) against the kids. We also met CEO Jeff Gordon who thanked us for coming by and for MGM's continued support throughout the years.
Our day had finally ended, as Stephanie explained that the goodbye ceremony is too sad and heartbreaking when the kids say their goodbyes and exchange phone numbers and info with each other, which is best leaving it as private time with families and volunteers. As we said our goodbyes, we were sent off with a NCCF information packet as well as a Camp Cartwheel shirt. Definitely an unforgettable experience for me, which I would like to donate more of my time to in the future. ALOHA!!!
Shaka Meter: \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ 5