My first involvement with Camp CARE was back in 1995 when Donna Creasey, who was one of my vendors at the time, invited me to camp. She had been inviting me for several years, but this was this first year that I had vacation time to use. I was starting a new job, and made sure that I had vacation time for Camp included in my contract. I had the best time, met life-long friends, and even met my future wife.  

Once Camp CARE gets in your soul, it remains forever. I have served as a cabin counselor, originally in Cabin 5, then became a board member, yearbook designer, and photographer. I then took some time off when we had kids, and I was starting my own business. Later on, I was asked to serve on the board again, and I couldn't resist.

I love seeing the smiling faces of the kids, LIT's, counselors, Lake Lure Staff, medical personnel and everyone else at camp when the kids arrive, the tears when we remember those that we have lost, and the sad faces when the kids realize that the week is over and it's time to leave. I don't love seeing sad faces, but knowing they are sad for a very good reason warms my heart.

During that special week at camp, they are not sad because they realize they have cancer, or because it will be a tough battle, or even because they are afraid of the unknown. They are sad because it's going to be another year before that special puzzle piece that filled their hearts that week will again fit perfectly into their story.