Finding out about Jocelyn's sickle cell diagnosis was such a difficult thing to hear as a parent. I didn't know at the time what it meant and how her life would change and mine. We got our diagnosis when Jocelyn was a few weeks old. She was put on oral medication not to long after. In her early years we had in and out hospital stays and just adjusting life to knowing her body and when she was experiencing a sickle cell crisis. Jocelyn has so many interests, she loves crafty things such as painting, sewing and recently doing nails. She has an amazing gift for this! I found out about Camp Rise Above through her doctor's at MUSC. We started attending the summer 2-day camps which she absolutely enjoyed. During that experience she loved her counselors and met girls just like her. She has attended the overnight camp for the second summer in a row and she just looks forward to it every year now. As a nervous parent I worried the first time she went because it seemed like a week was a long time. I thought about what if she gets home sick, what if she has a crisis, what if she needs something. I couldn't have been more wrong. She was in the best hands ever. The memories and friendships she has made over the years warms my heart greatly because it shows how much it means to her having others around her who can relate and understand some of the challenges she faces. She was exposed so many things that I never imagined like horseback riding, archery. The biggest change I have seen in my daughter as a result of camp has been how compassionate and caring she is with other's diagnosis and being aware of how she can help and support them. Whether it be becoming their friend or standing up for someone if they need help. I owe so much of this to CRA. "Camp Matters to me because I have built lifelong connections and hope that in the future all kids and teens with disabilities are able to do things that I have been able to experience because of camp."~ Jocelyn