Marcus was just shy of his 14th birthday when he was diagnosed with cancer. In that first year he had 5 surgeries, including having most of his pelvis removed. He was also an athlete, and he kept up with his swimming throughout his gruelling …

Marcus was just shy of his 14th birthday when he was diagnosed with cancer. In that first year he had 5 surgeries, including having most of his pelvis removed. He was also an athlete, and he kept up with his swimming throughout his gruelling recovery. The first time he went to camp, I was thrilled for him, as a mom. As a doctor, I knew this was no small feat. Marcus needed IV anti-microbial treatments and he was in chemo. But, as his journey continued, I was able to see and fell for myself that camp can be as important as any chemo, radiation or surgical treatment—and I’m a doctor!

He went away for a glorious weekend at camp. He felt rotten but he loved every moment. Camp was life affirming for him. It prolonged his life. His adventures were legendary: swimming, archery, waterskiing, rock-climbing, and, of course his great love, music. There was a piano in the dining hall, and whenever Marcus played, a crowd of kids, counsellors and volunteers would inevitably gather. And Marcus was an old soul: what he loved to play was classical music, especially Chopin.