“What does hope mean?”

It was a simple question from a seven-year-old camper, but it stopped all of us in our tracks.

She had recently learned that her mother was living with cancer. As she carefully decorated a memory stone during one of the family activities, she looked up at one of the facilitators and quietly asked that question.

Together, we talked about hope—how it can mean believing in better days, finding strength during difficult moments and holding on to what matters most.

Then she smiled and said, “Everyone should share what hope means to them.”

Before long, children, parents, caregivers and staff were taking turns answering. Every response was different, but every one was deeply personal.

Looking back on the weekend, I realized that one child’s question captured exactly what Gilda’s Family Camp is all about.

It’s about finding hope together.

This summer, 24 families—80 parents, children, caregivers and loved ones—joined Gilda’s Toronto at Camp Maple Leaf for a weekend designed especially for families living with cancer and those grieving the loss of someone they love.

For many families, cancer changes the way they experience everyday life. Children may struggle to understand what is happening, parents may carry the weight of supporting their family while managing their own emotions, and families experiencing loss often face a new reality filled with grief and uncertainty.

At Gilda’s Toronto, we believe no one should face cancer alone. Programs like Family Camp create opportunities for children, parents and caregivers to receive the emotional and psychosocial support they need—support that is often overlooked but is an essential part of the cancer journey.

Through evidence-informed programming, meaningful connection and a community that understands, Gilda’s Toronto helps people find belonging, build resilience and continue to live while living with cancer.

Family Camp brings that philosophy to life in a very special way.

At Camp Maple Leaf, families enjoyed all the adventure of a traditional summer camp—swimming, boating, fishing, crafts, campfires, dancing and a talent show—while also participating in therapeutic activities thoughtfully designed to support connection, healing and hope.

Where Strangers Become Community

The weekend began with families gathering in one large circle to create the Gilda’s Toronto Family Tree.

Each family added a photo and shared what had brought them to Gilda’s Toronto.

One by one, every story became part of something bigger.

Although each family’s journey was unique, there was comfort in recognizing shared experiences. Parents nodded as they listened to one another. Children discovered they weren’t the only ones whose family had been changed by cancer.

By the end of the opening ceremony, strangers had already begun to feel like community.

The experience became even more meaningful when one of the camp members generously shared a traditional Indigenous drumming circle, Wacha Tonaya. Together, we paused to honour the healing power of water and Indigenous traditions of gratitude, healing and connection—a bea

Making Room for Joy

What I love most about Family Camp is watching families simply have fun together.

Children raced between the beach, the boats and the craft cabin. Parents joined in games, laughed around the campfire and cheered during the talent show. For a little while, cancer wasn’t the centre of every conversation.

That doesn’t mean cancer disappeared.

It means families were reminded that joy still has a place alongside uncertainty, treatment and grief.

Those moments matter.

They help families reconnect with one another and create memories that aren’t defined by illness, but by being together.

A Question That Stayed With Us

Later that weekend came the Memory Stones activity—and the question I’ll never forget.

“What does hope mean?”

What followed wasn’t planned. It became a conversation shared by everyone in the room.

Children spoke about birthdays, pets and spending time with their families. Parents talked about strength, treatment, healing and the future. Staff reflected on the privilege of walking alongside families during some of life’s hardest moments.

Every answer was different.

Every answer was right.

It reminded me that hope isn’t one thing. It changes from family to family, and sometimes from day to day. But when we share it with one another, hope has a way of growing.

Holding Space for Love

As the sun began to set, families gathered by the lake for our Lantern Memorial Ceremony.

Together, we honoured loved ones who had died and recognized those currently living with cancer. Children bravely shared treasured memories. Parents and caregivers reflected on love, loss and the hope they continue to hold.

It was emotional.

It was beautiful.

Most of all, it was a reminder that grief and love can exist together. So can remembrance and healing.

No one had to carry those emotions alone.

After the Storm

One afternoon, a summer thunderstorm swept across camp, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and a pause in our activities.

When it passed, families stepped outside to discover a breathtaking double rainbow stretching across the lake.

The clinical team couldn’t let the moment pass.

We invited everyone to pull on their rain boots and head outside for a spontaneous puddle-jumping adventure.

There was laughter everywhere.

For those of us who support children through grief, the moment carried another layer of meaning. We often describe children’s grief as “puddle jumping.” Children step deeply into difficult emotions and, just as naturally, step back into play and laughter. Both experiences are real. Both are healthy.

Watching children splash through puddles beneath a rainbow became a beautiful reminder that grief and joy don’t cancel each other out.

Sometimes they exist side by side.

And sometimes, after life’s storms, hope appears in the most unexpected places.

Taking Hope Home

As families packed up to leave, there were hugs, exchanged phone numbers and promises to stay connected.

Many arrived feeling isolated.

They left knowing they were part of a community—with new connections, shared experiences and a renewed sense that they did not have to navigate cancer or grief alone.

That is what Family Camp is all about.

It’s about creating opportunities for families to connect, laugh, remember, grieve and heal together. It’s about helping children know they aren’t alone. It’s about giving parents space to be supported while supporting one another.

Most of all, it’s about helping families continue to live—even while living with cancer.

As I drove home, I found myself thinking again about that little girl’s question.

“What does hope mean?”

After sharing this weekend with so many incredible families, I think I know the answer.

Hope is finding people who understand.

Hope is hearing, “Me too.”

Hope is children laughing after the rain.

Hope is knowing that whatever tomorrow brings, you don’t have to face it alone.

That is what we strive to create every day at Gilda’s Toronto.

That is what it means to help people live, while living with cancer.

About the Author

Tory Hagerman (she/her) is the Family Support and Outreach Manager at Gilda’s Toronto and a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). With more than 17 years of experience supporting children, youth and families through cancer, grief and other life-changing experiences, she is passionate about creating evidence-informed programs that help families build resilience, find connection and feel less alone.