Donor Appreciation Night: An Evening of Gratitude & Dedication

Recently, we welcomed many of our donors to our Recreational Facility for our Donor Appreciation Night. It was a wonderful evening filled with friendship, laughter, and gratitude as we came together to celebrate those who give so much to make Camp Good Days possible. Seeing so many people gathered in support of our mission reminded me, once again, how fortunate we are.

The evening carried an especially meaningful moment as we dedicated our infirmary as Michelle’s Caring Center, in honor of our longtime nurse and Medical Director, Michelle Roach. Michelle has been with Camp Good Days since the very beginning, when the dream of creating a place where children with cancer could come together was just beginning to take shape. She was part of the very first session of Camp and was one of the nurses for my daughter Teddi, whose battle with cancer inspired the creation of Camp Good Days.

For the past 46 years, Michelle has been a steady presence in the life of Camp. She has cared for our campers with compassion, skill, and a depth of understanding that goes far beyond medicine. Over the years, she has watched children grow, provided comfort during difficult times, and ensured that every camper felt safe and supported. Beyond her owncare for the children, Michelle also plays an essential role in building our medical team each summer, making sure we have the right people in place to care for our campers. Her guidance has shaped not only the excellent medical care we provide but also the supportive, nurturing environment that makes Camp such a very special place.

Naming the infirmary after Michelle felt like the truest way to honor her decades of service. It is a lasting tribute to the love and commitment she has poured into Camp and a reminder of how much she has shaped the experience of countless children.

As I looked around the room that evening—at donors who have stood with us through the years, at volunteers who continue to give so much of themselves, and at Michelle as she received this well-deserved recognition—I was reminded of what makes Camp Good Days so special. It’s people. People who care deeply, give generously, and believe in creating good days and special times for those who need them most.

To all who joined us for Donor Appreciation Night, and to everyone who continues to support Camp Good Days in so many ways, THANK YOU. Your generosity allows us to continue this work, and your belief in our mission inspires us each and every day.