BASE Camp is more than a support group

I met Terri Jones with BASE Camp shortly after my son, Alexander (now 8) was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma at 3 months old. I was a single mom with two special needs children and scared out of my mind. There were times when I was working just long enough to gain a paycheck before getting fired because of time off to care for my son during chemotherapy or one of many surgeries. I could barely pay the rent on the one bedroom trailer I was renting so extras such as a "nice" dinner (not mac and cheese or sandwiches), movies, and even christmas presents just were not an option. BASE Camp would show up at the hospital with McDonalds or something else the kids love and movies. Cindy Whitaker would show up with games for the kids as well and get down on the floor and play with them. One time, I really bit my pride and BASE Camp helped with my rent. It is not just this kind of stuff that makes this organization so wonderful, but the love they have for everyone is indescribable. Over the last eight years BASE Camp has brought lots of laughter and happy moments to our lives, especially in a time when I couldn't imagine doing anything other than crying. Since I moved to Volusia county, I am regularly in contact with Cindy, she calls often to check in and see how my kids and I are doing and if we are okay. I have called Cindy many times to vent, to cry, and to celebrate good news. BASE Camp is more than a support group. They are our family. My kids and I adore them with all our hearts. No amount of "Thank you's" can express just how much they all have done to help get us through the emotional turmoil that we all went through. Cherish Krisciunas