ALLENTOWN, Pa. (WLVT) - The Pediatric Cancer Foundation is holding Camp Smile this week for kids affected by pediatric cancer.
“Those impacted by cancer are allowed to come here and experience something where they won’t be judged," said camp counselor, Dhruv Krishna. "Everyone’s been going through the same thing, so they’re understood and truly it’s a great experience for everyone involved.” Dhruv had a twin brother, named Arnav. They used to volunteer at Camp Smile together until Arnav lost his fight to cancer six months ago.
Camp Smile is a week-long summer camp for kids who have cancer, have a sibling with cancer, or are bereaved by a sibling who had cancer. 13-year old, Sheryln Cerrato, has been coming to the summer camp for the past seven years, and she said it made her feel like she had a second family. “I thought I was the only one, because I didn’t know," said Cerrato. She had cancer twice when she was only four years old, but she didn't understand as a kid that other children had cancer as well. "When I found out this camp was for that, it just made me feel so welcome, because I’m not the only one and there are other kids that passed through the same difficulties I had," said Cerrato.
According to PCFLV, 20 kids in the Lehigh Valley have already been diagnosed with cancer this year, and they are expecting that number to continue rising. National statistics suggest one in every 285 kids will be diagnosed with pediatric cancer before they turn 20.
“It’s very sad for the people that passed away with cancer and I don’t really like how that makes me feel," said cancer survivor and Camp Smile participant, Bradley Heater. He said he enjoys being able to come to summer camp and see some of his friends each year.
For the first time, the camp is happening at Muhlenberg College. It will last through Friday, and the kids said they are looking forward to coming back next year.
