For parents, providing unconditional love with a sense of security can be a meticulous balancing act. Whether its a play date with a friend or a school trip to a museum, letting go can be very difficult. For the Risher family, attending Family Retreat programs at Camp Boggy Creek was not an easy decision at first, but it changed their lives and helped make the decision to let go and send daughter Kasey to summer camp a little easier.

In 2014, Kasey was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, the most common type of bone cancer she was 6 years old. Her many treatments were done at Nemours Wolfsons Childrens Hospital where her parents (Krista and Jeremy) had become very close to all her doctors and nurses. One of the night nurses, Linh Nguyen, encouraged the family to attend Camp Boggy Creek. Linh, a longtime volunteer and former summer staff, knew firsthand the wonderful benefits of the program and how it could help Kasey and her family.

At first, Krista was hesitant to apply. A self-described Drone Mom (because Helicopters do not get close enough), she wanted Kasey close. A year later after much research and testimonies from other camp families, Krista applied for their first Family Retreat and the Risher family has never looked back. Their first impression was amazement! Kaseys Dad, Jeremy, shares, Theres a little bit of everything, but its not overwhelming and you never feel rushed. Everything is at your own pace and you have quality time with your family. Kasey adds, I thought it was very big and I liked it a lot!

As a family, the Rishers enjoy many of the different activities, but their favorites are archery, swimming, and hands free spaghetti night an event that is replicated at home every now and then! Krista and Jeremy participate in parent breakout sessions and admit the first time was not easy because they wanted eyes on Kasey. After attending a few years, they now see their role as more of a mentor and enjoy helping new families especially since so many had helped them.

Kasey was eligible to attend Summer Camp in 2015, but her parents decided to attend the Family Retreats for a couple years before submitting the application for Kaseys first summer in 2018. Krista shares, Sending Kasey to summer camp was not easy, but the retreats helped us (Mom and Dad) to let go because we knew she would be so well cared for. The incredible volunteers, staff and the program helped us to get to that point of letting go. Of course, we missed her terribly, but, incredibly, we didnt worry and that is saying a lot!

Kasey is already planning to come back and volunteer as a Family Pal at Family Retreats. Of course, Krista and Jeremy might be with her so they can volunteer, too. Krista adds, It wasnt like you just take someones word on something like this, you have to experience it yourself and it was truly everything everyone said it would be. Letting go is never easy, but letting go at Camp Boggy Creek provides hope and joy!