Hello my name is Charlie Habib and I have been a cancer patient for 14 years. I was diagnosed when I was three years. Cancer changes your life in so many ways it’s hard to keep track. You go from being a normal family dealing with normal every day problems to suddenly a family with the kid who has cancer. You feel like your whole world has turned upside down. There are not many people on this earth who would be grateful for cancer, however I am. Cancer has brought me to Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times. They are a nonprofit organization who works to better impact the lives of kids with cancer and their family’s. They provide amazing experiences for kids with cancer completely cost free. This organization relies solely on donations and volunteering to continue their mission. I was able to first attend camp on a McDonald’s for good times in 2006. My family was invited to participate in family camp that year. Nothing could’ve prepared us for how our lives would change after that weekend. We went up the mountain with doubts and worries about what to expect. We were nervous that I wouldn’t be able to participate in the activities due to my condition and that we would feel like an outsider. Within our first hour of being there we realize that this place is truly magical. Throughout the weekend we were able to meet so many other families whose lives have been impacted by cancer. We realized we weren’t alone and that we were going to be OK. Since then my family has been able to benefit from multiple experiences provided by this organization. Since I was nine years old I have been able to go to summer camp for a week every year as a camper at Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times. I have made so many lifelong friendships with other kids and the faculty of camp. I have always felt welcomed and valued every time I go up the mountain. When you are diagnosed with cancer one of the hard truth you’re forced to face is that you can explain your journey to someone until you’re blue in the face but until they’ve had an experience like yours they won’t ever be able to truly understand that part of you. That left me feeling very isolated in the beginning of my journey. After coming up to camp I realized I wasn’t alone and I met people who understand me without having to explain myself. I can look back on my life and I can’t even remember a time before I started going to camp. I have grown up there alongside all those kids and counselors who remind me that everything will be OK. I truly don’t believe I would be the same person I am today without having been to camp. I owe all of my happiest memories to this organization and those who I met along the way. There is one thing that everyone knows and cannot deny, cancer is hard on the body. Sometimes parents and doctors get so wrapped up in trying to fix those problems that they neglect the fact that that being a person with cancer can have on your soul and your mind.Camp helps my soul get through all of the trials and tribulations I face as a cancer patient. I don’t think I would be here today if it wasn’t for camp. In attempt to show my gratitude for what this organization has done for myself and my family I am trying to fundraise money to help keep the camp running. Any donation helps the cause greatly. I would be so happy if you can spare even just a dollar to support this amazing place. Thank you for listening to my story and contact me if you have any questions. :)