Sunrise Magic Makers Podcast

Sunrise Association
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Sunrise Magic Makers is the official podcast of Sunrise Association, celebrating 20 summers of bringing childhood joy to children with cancer and their siblings—always free of charge. Each episode features heartfelt, unscripted conversations with the people behind the magic: campers, counselors, volunteers, supporters, and leaders. Tune in for inspiring stories of hope, resilience, and the community that makes Sunrise shine.

  1. 5D AGO

    Her Sister Had Cancer. Camp Gave Her a Place to Just Be a Kid.

    When Lucy’s younger sister Penny was diagnosed with leukemia at age eight, Lucy’s world shifted overnight. She went from sharing a bedroom with her sister to staring at a perfectly made, empty bed. At school, everyone in their small town seemed to know more about Penny’s diagnosis than Lucy did, and she didn’t have answers for the flood of questions. Then Lucy came to Sunrise Day Camp Long Island, and everything changed. In this episode, 12-year-old Lucy shares what it’s really like to be a sibling, how camp became the one place where nobody asks intrusive questions, and why she now counts down the days until summer. Her advice to any kid or parent on the fence? “You just have to go.”Topics Covered:• What it’s like to be a sibling of a child with cancer: the confusion, the empty bedroom, the unanswered questions• How Lucy’s small-town community reacted to Penny’s diagnosis, and how classmates and friends treated her differently• Penny’s leukemia diagnosis and treatment journey, and how the family navigated long separations• Lucy’s first year at Sunrise without her sister, and the fear and uncertainty of arriving alone• What makes Sunrise different from every other camp: no intrusive questions, no being treated differently, just belonging• How camp feels "normal" and why nobody talks about cancer at Sunrise• Lucy’s favorite camp activities: art, ropes, train, pool, and Color War• Meeting best friend Adriana and the friendships that make camp feel like family• The wellness staff and why parents don’t need to worry about safety at Sunrise• Lucy’s message to hesitant kids and parents: "You just have to go. Everyone’s so nice. You’ll have the best time."Links & Resources:• Learn more about the 20 Summers of Sunrise Magic campaign → sunriseassociation.org/20-summersAbout Sunrise AssociationThe Sunrise Association brings back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings worldwide through the creation of inclusive day camps, year-round programs, and in-hospital recreational activities, all completely free of charge. We serve nearly 69,000 children annually across 14 summer day camps, 85+ weekly in-hospital programs, and virtual platforms. Learn more at sunriseassociation.org

    15 min

  2. FEB 27

    From Art Director to VP of Camping: Growing Up With Sunrise

    Deanna Slade has spent nearly two decades watching Sunrise magic unfold, from the very first summers to today’s full-circle moments when former campers return as staff. She shares what “magic” really means at Sunrise: a place where children are seen as kids first, not patients, and where joy becomes something families carry home long after the camp day ends. Deanna also reflects on the real, measurable impact of camp, including confidence and resilience, through a story of a camper who stepped onto the Sunrise stage and later found the courage to join her school play. Topics Covered• Deanna’s Sunrise journey, from Art Director to VP of Camping and Related Serious • Defining “Sunrise magic” for campers, families, and staff• How camp creates a “regular kid” space and why that matters• Impact and outcomes: confidence, resilience, hope, and what families report over time• The “Sunrise Got Talent” story and a camper’s confidence breakthrough• Campers becoming counselors and the full-circle Sunrise cycle• Childhood as skill-building: social skills, patience, teamwork, coping, and more• Why Sunrise is a place of acceptance, tolerance, and authentic belonging• “Come see it” and why visiting a camp changes everything• One Sunrise family across every camp communityAbout Sunrise AssociationThe Sunrise Association brings back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings worldwide through the creation of inclusive day camps, year-round programs, and in-hospital recreational activities, all completely free of charge. We serve nearly 69,000 children annually through day camps, in-hospital programs, and virtual platforms.Learn more at https://www.sunriseassociation.org/

    42 min

  3. JAN 29

    Hope in Action: How Bill Villafranco and the Toulmin Foundation Help Sunrise Shine

    In this deeply moving conversation, Bill Villafranco shares his remarkable journey from personal tragedy to profound impact. As trustee of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, Bill has been a transformative force in Sunrise’s growth, championing initiatives from new camp openings to meaningful scholarship programs. He reflects on the moment that changed his life, how he honors Virginia's legacy through values-aligned giving, and why hope — not just as a word, but as a feeling — is at the heart of the Sunrise magic. This episode is a powerful reminder of what happens when love, purpose, and action come together.  Topics Covered:  • The origin story of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation and Bill’s role as trustee • How a single conversation with Virginia shaped a $140 million philanthropic mission • Bill’s personal journey following the loss of his son and his commitment to helping children and families • Why Sunrise’s mission and leadership align so closely with the Toulmin Foundation’s values • The impact of Sunrise camps on Bill’s own children and what it means to visit camp each summer • The significance of the Virginia B. Toulmin Healthcare Scholarship and its legacy • Launching a new women’s leadership scholarship within Sunrise — and why mentorship matters • A life-changing week volunteering at Painted Turtle Camp and learning from a 10-year-old camper • Reflections on hope, healing, and the emotional power of facing your fears • Bill’s perspective on Sunrise’s future — and why he believes no child will be left behind    Links & Resources:  • Learn more about the 20 Summers of Sunrise Magic campaign → https://sunriseassociation.org/20-summers • Learn about the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation - https://www.toulminfoundation.org/  About Sunrise Association:  The Sunrise Association brings back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings worldwide through the creation of inclusive day camps, year-round programs, and in-hospital recreational activities — all completely free of charge. We serve nearly 69,000 children annually across 14 summer day camps, 85+ weekly in-hospital programs, and innovative virtual platforms.  Learn more → https://www.sunriseassociation.org/

    26 min

  4. 12/30/2025

    Fifteen Summers of Sunrise: Steph’s Story of Siblings, Strength, and Second Homes

    Steph has been part of Sunrise for 15 unforgettable summers. What began as a place of respite during her brother’s cancer treatment became a second home — filled with laughter, friendship, and healing. In this heartfelt conversation, Steph reflects on the early days of camp, the unique experience of being a sibling, and the moments that made her fall in love with Sunrise all over again — this time as a counselor. Her story is a beautiful testament to the long-lasting impact of Sunrise magic. Topics Covered: • Steph’s first summer at Sunrise in 2011 — when the camp was still being built • What it was like to be a young sibling during her brother’s cancer journey • Finding emotional support through a community of fellow siblings at camp • Her most vivid camper memory: rain, golf carts, and laughter • The story of a camper who changed her life as a counselor • What it feels like to return each year and watch campers grow up • Why Sunrise is a place where kids don’t have to talk about cancer to be understood • The joy of being the one screaming “welcome!” on the bus line • What “Sunrise Magic” means to Steph — and how she helps spread it every day • The transition from camper to counselor and the impact of staying connected • Commit to $20/month for 20 months and become a Magic Maker for children impacted by pediatric cancer → https://sunriseassociation.org/20-sum... About Sunrise Association The Sunrise Association brings back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings worldwide through the creation of inclusive day camps, year-round programs, and in-hospital recreational activities, all completely free of charge. We serve nearly 69,000 children annually across 14 summer day camps, 85+ weekly in-hospital programs, and virtual platforms. Learn more → https://www.sunriseassociation.org/

    11 min

  5. 12/05/2025

    Twin Bonds, Childhood Magic, and a Promise Fulfilled

    counselors and leaders, their story is a powerful reflection of what Sunrise is all about: transformation, connection, and purpose. In this episode, they share the magic of brotherhood, the trauma of a diagnosis, and the joy of returning each summer to give back what was once given to them. As they carry forward the legacy of lost friends and the love of a community that never gave up, Elijah and Nathaniel remind us why Sunrise matters — for 20 summers and beyond. 🌟 Topics Covered: Elijah’s diagnosis with acute lymphoblastic lymphoma at age 4 and the trauma surrounding his birthday The impact of cancer on their sibling bond and how Sunrise kept them close Becoming campers in 2009 and never missing a summer since What it meant to become counselors — fulfilling promises to friends who didn’t make it How Sunrise taught them people skills and gave them back a sense of self The emotional weight of anniversaries and survivorship Sibling inclusion and how Sunrise supports the entire family Personal stories of campers who looked up to them and inspired their return each year The healing power of community and unconditional belonging at camp Magical moments that made them feel seen, needed, and whole again

    25 min

  6. 12/05/2025

    A Place Where Everyone Understands: Adriana’s Sunrise Story

    In this heartwarming episode, we meet Adriana, a camper at Sunrise Day Camp–Long Island, who opens up about her family’s journey after her younger brother was diagnosed with leukemia. She shares what it was like to watch her brother go through treatment, the loneliness she felt when her parents were often at the hospital, and how Sunrise became the place that brought her joy, confidence, and connection again. From her favorite camp memories—like Color War and the pool—to the lifelong friendships she’s made, Adriana reminds us what Sunrise is all about: a place where every child feels seen, supported, and free to just be a kid. Topics Covered: • Adriana’s story and her brother’s leukemia diagnosis • The impact of illness on siblings and family life • How Sunrise Day Camp helped Adriana regain her confidence • Finding belonging and understanding among other Sunrise campers • The importance of community support during a family’s cancer journey • Favorite camp activities — Color War, pool days, art, and STEAM • Sunrise Sundays and year-round programs that keep the magic going • The power of friendship and connection at camp • Advice for kids who are nervous about coming to Sunrise • Adriana’s message of hope for other families navigating pediatric cancer Links & Resources: • Become a Magic Maker: Commit to $20/month for 20 months → https://sunriseassociation.org/20-sum... About Sunrise Association The Sunrise Association brings back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings worldwide through the creation of inclusive day camps, year-round programs, and in-hospital recreational activities — all completely free of charge. We serve nearly 69,000 children annually across 14 summer day camps, 85+ weekly in-hospital programs, and virtual platforms.

    9 min

  7. 09/29/2025

    Sunrise Works: How One Day at Sunrise Day Camp Can Change a Life

    In this special episode, Sunrise Association CEO & President Arnie Preminger reunites with Deddy Paz—first camp director of Sunrise Israel and now lead researcher of the 2024 Sunrise Day Camps Impact Study—for a powerful conversation 15 years in the making. Deddy shares personal memories of launching Sunrise Israel and then unpacks the study’s groundbreaking findings: across seven psychosocial categories, campers showed measurable, statistically significant improvements. From resilience and quality of life to sibling relationships and illness management, the data tells a story we've always known in our hearts: Sunrise works. Topics Covered: How Sunrise Israel began and its early impact across diverse communities What makes the Sunrise model unique in the global camping landscape Why inclusion of siblings is vital—and how it benefits both siblings and diagnosed campers The lasting power of resilience: 12-week follow-up results The unexpected significance of even a single day at camp Measurable decreases in stress and anxiety among children with cancer How the research was conducted independently and academically Long-term effects of camp on illness management and sibling relationships What this data means for future programming “It’s just a day camp—but it does extraordinary things” Links & Resources: Read the Sunrise Day Camps Impact Study Findings - https://www.sunriseassociation.org/impact-study/Commit to $20/month for 20 months and become a Magic Maker → https://www.sunriseassociation.org/20-summers/

    50 min

  8. 08/28/2025

    The Full-Circle Magic of Sunrise: Hina’s Story of Joy and Purpose

    Welcome to Sunrise Magic Makers, the official podcast of Sunrise Association. In each episode, we sit down with the people who make the magic happen — from dedicated volunteers and visionary leaders to Sunrise alumni, campers, staff, and supporters — to explore the heart, hustle, and hope behind our mission: bringing back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings, always free of charge.  Episode Summary:  In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Hina Zahid, a Sunrise alumna who began her journey as a camper in 2012 and now serves as the Rangers Unit Head. Diagnosed with a brain tumor at just 18 months old, Hina shares her powerful story of resilience, recovery, and the unmatched joy of finding community at Sunrise. From being a hesitant newcomer on the bus to becoming a beloved blue shirt and future educator, Hina reflects on the moments of connection, growth, and transformation that shaped her life — and continue to shape the lives of so many campers today.  Topics Covered:  • Hina’s early cancer diagnosis and how Sunrise came into her life  • Her first summer at camp and the unforgettable welcome she received  • Navigating friendship and identity as a child with cancer  • The magic of being “just another kid” at Sunrise  • What kept her coming back: camp as her first home  • How being a camper shaped her desire to work with children  • Full-circle moments: Watching her own campers grow over the years  • The sibling experience and the power of inclusion at Sunrise  • How Sunrise inspired her to pursue a career in education  • A magical story of watching a once-nonverbal camper find his voice    Links & Resources:  • Commit to $20/month for 20 months and become a Magic Maker for children impacted by pediatric cancer → https://sunriseassociation.org/20-summers

    21 min
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About

Sunrise Magic Makers is the official podcast of Sunrise Association, celebrating 20 summers of bringing childhood joy to children with cancer and their siblings—always free of charge. Each episode features heartfelt, unscripted conversations with the people behind the magic: campers, counselors, volunteers, supporters, and leaders. Tune in for inspiring stories of hope, resilience, and the community that makes Sunrise shine.

Information

  • Creator
    Sunrise Association
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sunrise Association
  • Show Website
    Sunrise Magic Makers Podcast