A Place of Peace: Reflecting on Teddi’s Place

Last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to visit Teddi’s Place in Highland Park, where some of our staff and longtime volunteers gathered for our annual spring clean-up. It’s something we do each year to make sure that the dedicated area looks its best for the warmer months and the upcoming Lilac Festival.

As I sat watching everyone work, I found myself thinking about how fortunate we are to live in a community with such beautiful public spaces. Highland Park is one of the crown jewels of Rochester’s park system, and thanks to the generosity of Monroe County, this particular spot—Teddi’s Place—was created as a tribute to children battling cancer and to recognize the work being done through Camp Good Days.

Teddi’s Place holds a quiet kind of power. It’s nestled in a peaceful area of the park, close to the University of Rochester Medical Center, and while it’s a space dedicated to those impacted by cancer, it’s open to everyone. Whether you’ve been affected by illness or are simply seeking a moment of calm in your day, Teddi’s Place welcomes all. It’s a place for anyone who needs a quiet moment to reflect, reconnect, or simply breathe. As a father, I know that when your child is in the hospital and you feel helpless, as so many parents do, sometimes what you need most is just a few minutes away. A few minutes to gather your thoughts, to reflect, to pray, or simply to be. That’s what Teddi’s Place provides. A place of peace, no matter your religion or beliefs. A space to ask for strength, to speak to your higher power, or to sit in silence and listen to your own heart.

Over the years, many people have told me how meaningful their time at Teddi’s Place was, and as I watched volunteers like Kate and Jan—who have been with Camp almost as long as it’s existed—working hard to help us, I was struck once again by the love and care that surrounds this space. For me, it’s a symbol of how special our community truly is.

I think back to when this all began—when I was just a father trying to help his daughter, Teddi, through the unthinkable. All I wanted was to give her a chance to feel like a kid again. That simple wish has grown into something much larger than I could have imagined, and it’s only because of the incredible generosity and compassion of this community. A community that, over the past four decades, has rallied around Camp Good Days and helped us grow into one of the largest organizations of its kind in the country.

Teddi’s Place is a symbol of all that. A quiet reminder of why we do what we do and what’s possible when a community comes together to care for one another. It’s dedicated to anyone who is fighting the toughest battle of their life and is a place for healing, hope, and love.

I’m so grateful to Monroe County, to our volunteers, and to everyone who continues to support our mission. So if you find yourself walking through Highland Park, I hope you’ll take a moment to stop at Teddi’s Place. Sit on the bench. Breathe in the quiet. Reflect on the strength of those who’ve come before you, and know that you’re not alone.