At just 12 years old, Elena radiates joy, strength, and a love for life that’s truly contagious. Diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma at only 19 months old, she’s spent most of her life as a cancer survivor. Though Elena doesn’t remember much from that early battle, the experience quietly shaped her childhood—routine scans, hospital visits, and a sense of isolation that comes from facing something few her age could understand.
But everything changed for Elena when she joined Camp Quality New Jersey—a place where kids like her aren’t defined by their diagnosis but celebrated for who they are. From the moment she first arrived at camp, Elena felt something she hadn’t experienced before: belonging. And now, every summer, it’s the one thing she looks forward to most.
“I’ve met the most supportive friends through Camp Quality,” Elena says. “They encourage me to overcome fears and try new, exciting things. Each year, no matter how many new faces there are, the feeling of family is present by the end of the first day!”
Whether she’s shooting hoops, sketching, or dancing to her favorite music, Elena finds joy in every moment. But more than that, she finds connection—friendships that run deeper than words and a community that truly understands.
Elena’s mom describes Camp Quality as a gift that goes far beyond the week itself. “I want her to be proud of her journey but never defined by cancer. Connecting her to Camp Quality, and the most positive community imaginable, fills my heart with warmth and peace of mind.”
For Elena, Camp Quality is more than a summer escape—it’s a place of hope, joy, and a sense of belonging that lasts far beyond the campfire.