Changing Lives Changed my Life

            I once had a patient’s mother call me while I was working at the hospital. I work in the radiology department and this mother needed results of an exam her daughter had done. She lived pretty far away from my hospital and was nervous about these results. Her doctor’s office was not open that evening and because of HIPPA laws I was unable to give her results over the phone. I could sense the anxiety and fear in her voice and made arrangements to have her results sent to a partnering clinic near her home. I honestly didn’t feel like I was going too much out of my way, I was just trying to do my job but the next day I came to work and flowers had been delivered to me from this lady. (Before this happened I would joke that the next person to send me flowers was the person I was going to marry, irony is funny. I’ve since changed that to be the next GUY that sends me flowers). I have never met this lady, only spoke to her on the phone but the “extra” effort I went to for her was not unnoticed. I often think about that experience as I work and it motivates me to do better.  I’m sure she has no idea that I still think of that experience. At times you see how an event impacted your life once that event is over; once you’ve moved on and had a chance to look back on it. You realize that the goal you were trying to accomplish has had an impact larger than you could have imagined and on more people than you initially intended it for, especially for yourself. Let me explain how this has been true for me, through my experience with Camp Kesem.

For the past two years I have devoted time, effort and other resources to help kids who desperately needed me. I found so much joy in helping these kids, although exhausted at times; I knew that what I was doing would have a lifelong effect on the kids who attended Camp Kesem. They may not remember me specifically but they will remember the feeling of camp, the fun they had and the relief that came from knowing people cared. Besides that, I just had fun planning camp and enjoyed being around the group of people that I worked with. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into at first but I’m so glad I jumped in. During the last year as Camper Care Coordinator, I especially grew closer with the families of these kids. I truly admire the parents of these children and aspire to raise my kids as the Wright family has done, enjoy the moments I have with my kids like the Goble family does and celebrate the achievements of my kids like the Koffords do.  I was so focused on the fact that I was helping to improve their lives in some way, which is a good thing but it wasn’t until recently that I was able to see how I was truly changed by them and this experience. I of course have a great love for Camp Kesem but I also feel a powerful connection with charity work in general. I now realize how much devotion goes in to each non-profit organization. I believe that the most sincere and unselfish people work in non-profits. I have met some of these people and have watched them give their lives to the people they serve. Some of these people, especially those involved with Camp Kesem have become lifelong friends to me and that alone has changed me for good. Now I sound like I’m right out of the Wicked musical. For those who have seen that, you’ll know what I’m referencing. For those who have not seen it, stop reading this and find a copy.

Back to the point of this post. My experience in Camp Kesem has also helped me gain skills and experiences that are truly priceless in the career oriented world we live in. Now as a CK Alumni and graduate from BYU I have started applying for jobs, a real fun experience. Application after application, I answer questions about group work experience, leadership skills and fundraising experience. I can only imagine how much harder this application process would be if I didn’t have my experience with Camp Kesem. I can confidently answer yes to any of those questions on an application or in an interview. I haven’t landed that awesome post grad job yet but I’m confident that I will soon and that my work in Camp Kesem will be a selling point, no doubt about it. When it comes down to it, I thought I was helping kids who have a parent with cancer but those kids and the work I did for Camp Kesem changed me more. The feeling you get after putting your heart and soul into something as good as Camp Kesem is the most rewarding feeling. On top of that high, you reap benefits that will help you throughout your entire life. I will always look at my Camp Kesem experience as a positive one and will continue to share the magic throughout my life. P.S. I haven’t received flowers since that lady. Just a little update in case you were wondering.