Camp Live-A-Dream Provides Summer Camp Experience For Cancer Survivors

"Camp Live-A-Dream" takes place every summer at Camp Twin Cedars. But this isn’t your traditional camp for your traditional campers.

“We’re a camp for kids ages 11 to 18 who have had a cancer diagnosis,” said Lori Turner, director of programs for Ally’s House.

The camp is called Camp Live-A-Dream and is sponsored by Ally’s House, an Oklahoma nonprofit providing support for pediatric cancer families.

“Ally’s house essentially came in and adopted camp live a dream and so we have been funding that for ten years now,” said Turner.

Bob Moore Subaru is a big supporter of Ally’s House and the camp, so they decided to join in the fun.

“Working for an auto group and they say, hey today instead of being there selling cars, you’re actually going to go out and see the kids and throw some axes, which all of us were like throw axes, what are we doing,” said Chad Harris with Bob Moore Subaru.

Most of the kids attending the camp are in remission or at the end of their treatment, but all the kids are healthy enough to participate in a week of fun.

“A lot of them are still on a lot of medication which would kind of disqualify them from another camp just because they are unable to dispense meds,” said Turner.

But more than the fun, it is the friendships that make this camp special.

“It’s nice, it’s just something with people I can relate to, and have had a similar story as me,” said camp attendee Jude.

“Being able to relate to everyone, and everyone has a similar story to yours, so you can just come and be just a regular kid,” said camp attendee Blaise.

18-year-old Grace has been coming to the camp for nine years.

“I’m the OG. I’ve been here a minute,” said Grace.

Grace does attend other camps, but this is by far her favorite.

“There’s never a dull moment like it’s just really fun, I’m always having a blast,” said Grace.

“I’ve been doing this for ten years now and it is the highlight of my summer, for sure,” said Turner.

Now for more information or to support Ally’s House and all of its efforts, visit their website www.allyshouse.org