Neighbors 4 Neighbors

South Florida Camp Offering Cancer Victims Hope

MIAMI (CBS4) ― A special kind of camp in South Florida is giving children more than something to do this summer. It's giving them the opportunity to forget they're cancer patients, but now, the camp needs your help.

"So what do you think of this camp," CBS4's Jorge Estevez asked a 10-year-old camper.

"I think it's really nice," responded Aaron Rodriguez Pupo. Aaron is a cancer survivor who came to camp for the first time. Camp Fiesta is really a party for Aaron and the rest of the kids. From card games to darts, from checkers to outdoor fun, Camp Fiesta gives patients a dose of what they really need for free.

For twenty years now the camp joins kids together for nine days. They go on day trips, overnight trips, and even to Disney World.

The cabins at the camp site are a favorite for the kids. They sleep about ten in bunk beds. It's a constant slumber party. For Aaron, it's a necessity. Aaron had Leukemia when he was four. "I told my mom."Mom, I think that I am going to die," said Aaron.

A reality most of these kids face, but Camp Fiesta provides an escape from the bad memories. "People were crying which made me feel worse cause if people are crying for me then that's a very bad thing," remembered Aaron. "It's a place where you are surrounded by people who have been through the same things," admitted Aaron.

Time spent away from the memories and with those who can understand them is truly a good time. And when asked if there is always a "fiesta" at Camp Fiesta, Aaron responded. "All the time."

So whether it's canoeing, playing games or staying overnight, for nine days, these kids feel like everybody else and after all, they say Camp Fiesta is the greatest camp in the history of the world.

The camp costs tens of thousands of dollars to run every summer. If you would like to help contact Neighbors for Neighbors at 305-597-4404.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

---