68 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com the same thing as me,” he smiled. “Most of the week at camp we just have fun, but a few times in the week we get together and focus on everyone’s experiences. It helps me talk to people who are my age – and now my friends – who have gone through the same thing.” Claire McLoughlin began attending the camp at age 10; her younger sister Elaina had leukemia and is a classmate of LaBelle’s. As a sibling to someone fighting cancer, the experience has helped Claire as well. “Camp Happy Days has made a lifelong impact on me. My experiences there over the years have encouraged me to try new things and be open with people going through medical challenges. The camp is free, so it gives all children the chance to have a fun-filled week, separate from the stresses of cancer. Camp Happy Days is a huge family, and I am so grateful to be a part of it,” Claire beamed. She plans to change roles from camper to Counselor-in-Training next summer so that she can make an even bigger impact on the lives of kids with cancer and their families. To learn about other programs which support families experiencing childhood cancer, Plair recommended contacting your clinic’s social worker to find even more options geared toward a specific diagnosis. “Families with children fighting cancer often have to reinvent themselves because what was their norm is no longer,” Plair said. “Having access to these organizations and programs can give families and kids a glimpse of normal life again, but in a safe environment, and gives people a sense of hope that they can get through what they are going through.” health and wellness Claire and Elaina McLoughlin
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