Testimonials
Hospital Outreach Specialist and Former Camper Kimberly "Kimbo" Babicz
If I could hop into a time machine and erase my entire cancer experience, and along with it my Hole in the Wall experience, I'm not really sure what I'd do.
I know that sounds crazy, because cancer was by far the most difficult thing that I've ever had to face. Losing my hair, being nauseous all the time and feeling incredibly weak were all tremendous challenges. But there were other burdens like people feeling sorry for me and watching my parents lose a sense of control. I felt really bad for my little sister who lost out because I was constantly being carted around to chemo and radiation appointments. While my friends were worried about crushes, new gadgets, and getting their licenses, I was worried if I was going to make it to the next holiday. That truly changes you.
Then, I spent an amazing week at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp riding horses, dancing during meals, and forgetting about everything but being a kid again. For one crazy, wonderful week, I was normal. And it was amazing.
Because of Camp and my counselors, I truly believed that I could do anything. And what I wanted, more than anything, was to be able to help others and give back.
Today, I'm one of those lucky people that gets to be a Camp counselor all year long as a fulltime member of the Hospital Outreach Program. Along with my fellow Hospital Outreach Specialists, I get to see children light up when I enter the room and hear parents whisper things to nurses like, “That’s the first time he has smiled since we’ve been here.” This year, my colleagues and I will visit children in 21 hospitals across the Northeast and bring to busy, treatment-filled days a chance for kids to have a little fun and just be kids. I feel privileged to be part of Camp and help make the magic happen for more children.
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