Two-year-old Zack was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour in 2023 when he was just six months old. After a 10-hour surgery to remove the tumour, he is now on an 18-month chemotherapy course.
Camp Simcha has been supporting Zack’s family since his surgery – providing practical help such as hospital transport and crisis meals, as well as family support, therapeutic art sessions, residential retreats and outings.
Recalling the terrifying day he had surgery, Zack’s mum Louise says:
“They told my husband and I to say goodbye to him. They said – we don’t know if he’s going to come out of this or not – and we couldn’t think of anything. We just sat in silence for ten hours.
“Camp Simcha came into our lives on that same day. They turned up with loads of treats and love and a big box of everything we might need at hospital. The connection blossomed from there, really helping us get through those first weeks, sending in food and helping my kids with fun outings and activities for them to do at home with my parents, while we were at the hospital.
“We met our family liaison officer (FLO) shortly after and I remember she came in with this massive smile on her face and gave me a big hug. I just knew that bond was going to be forever.”
Zack came through the surgery well but three months later scans showed the tumour had returned and so he started a weekly course of chemotherapy.
“It takes a toll on my other children, as well as Zack who is stuck in a hospital room for four days a week sometimes. My daughter cries a lot; she asks where are you going, mummy?”
Camp Simcha arranged therapeutic art sessions and also a volunteer Big Sister, Ariella.
“Ariella has changed their lives for the better. She takes them out for pizza, bike rides, and comes over and does lots of fun things. They talk to her about things that they don’t talk to me about. Jake has been doing 1:1 therapeutic art with Camp Simcha art teacher Michelle; it’s really good for him as he doesn’t talk about his feelings.”
Last summer the family went on a Camp Simcha residential retreat.
“It was just amazing. Everyone was so loving and helpful and the children had the best time ever.”
“I don’t think we would have got through this hard time without Camp Simcha in our lives. They have loved us. They have loved my children. And they have really helped us grow as a family and supported us in every way that we have needed.”
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