We hosted the second year of the Love Does Summer Camp in Jordan! These children, who were evacuated from Gaza and are receiving cancer treatment in Jordan, are students in our Love Does after-school program. For many of them, this is the only school they attend. Our summer camp is part of our ongoing commitment to these students, creating a place where they can continue to learn, make friends, laugh, and experience some of the childhood they’ve had to put on hold.
One 15-year-old girl who has been receiving treatment for spinal cancer since February spent an entire day in the pool at camp. When her mom asked her if she wanted to get out, she said,
“I don’t want to because I don’t know if I’ll be here next year.”
Later that week, she, along with all of our students, took part in a graduation ceremony celebrating the completion of their first semester in our after-school program. During the graduation ceremony, each child was personally recognized and received a word of appreciation for the progress they have made. The 15-year-old girl was cheered on by her friends and family as she received her certificate.
She also played basketball with our team, and when our country director’s husband helped her make a basket, she and her mom and siblings were filled with joy. Moments like these are why we create spaces where kids can simply be kids. As our country director, Samar, shared,
“The kids want to enjoy life, and because they have experienced so much sadness, they understand just how meaningful joy is.”
For children facing war and cancer, we want to surround them with love, remind them they are cared for, and give them hope for the future.
-The Love Does Team
