Christyn and her daughter Rebecca Taylor created Camp Hope, a free, overnight summer camp tailored for children with pancreatitis.

Rebecca Taylor, is 20-year-old who has channeled her personal experience with pediatric pancreatitis into a profound initiative for children facing similar challenges. Diagnosed with the condition at a young age, Taylor was determined to use her Make-A-Wish Foundation wish to create something meaningful. Thus, Rebecca’s Wish was born—a nonprofit organization supporting children with pancreatitis. Her vision further expanded with the creation of Camp Hope, a free, overnight summer camp tailored for these young individuals.

Camp Hope, hosted at the inclusive Morgan’s Wonderland Camp in San Antonio, provides a unique and supportive environment for children aged 8 to 18. The camp offers a range of therapeutic and recreational activities, from riding and caring for horses to zip lining and swimming. Each child’s medical needs are meticulously managed by volunteer nurses and doctors specializing in pediatric pancreatitis, ensuring a safe and enriching experience. The camp’s setup includes mini urgent care for administering medications and addressing health concerns, all within a secure and engaging environment. The camp has grown substantially, welcoming children from across 20 states and doubling in size from the previous year. Despite the challenges posed by her own hospitalization, Taylor’s spirit and dedication were evident as she participated virtually, connecting with the children and supporting the camp’s activities remotely. Her mother, Christyn Taylor, played a key role in coordinating the camp’s activities, embodying the support and care that defines Camp Hope.

The camp, funded entirely by generous donors with an estimated cost of $125,000, is completely free for families, including covering transportation expenses. This ensures that financial barriers do not prevent children from attending and enjoying the camp’s benefits. Camp Hope stands as a testament to Taylor’s vision and the collective efforts of the community to offer a supportive and joyful experience for children dealing with medical challenges.

Avery and Emmy Winkelman, who both have pediatric pancreatitis, were among this year’s campers. For them, Camp Hope contributed for their medical routines but also became a space to connect with peers who understood their experiences. Avery, who had recently undergone pancreas surgery, found solace in the camp’s supportive environment, while Emmy cherished the opportunity to create joyful memories with her sister.

Camp Hope is an example of hope and empowerment, helping children with complex medical conditions find joy, build friendships, and experience activities that might otherwise be out of reach. Registration for the next session of Camp Hope opens in January on Rebecca’s Wish website, promising another year of transformative experiences for children and their families.

More information at: rebeccaswish.org/contact | linkedin.com/in/christyn-taylor | christyntaylorconsulting@gmail.com
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