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/

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/

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/

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

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.

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/

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

Guest: Libby – Health and Logistics Coordinator, Horizon Day Camp (Baltimore)

In this inspiring episode, Libby shares her heartfelt journey with the Sunrise Association, beginning as a counselor at Aurora Day Camp in Atlanta and now serving as the Health and Logistics Coordinator at Horizon Day Camp in Baltimore. She opens up about a life-changing connection with a camper that shaped her path toward medicine and public health. Libby discusses the unique magic of Sunrise camps — the joy, community, and resilience built for children with cancer and their siblings — and how those values have influenced her career aspirations. Her story is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact Sunrise has on both campers and staff alike.

Topics Covered

• How Libby first discovered Aurora Day Camp as a teen
• Why she returned to Sunrise years later at Horizon Day Camp
• The “aha moment” with a camper that changed her perspective
• The unique challenges and joys of supporting siblings of children with cancer
• How Sunrise shaped Libby’s passion for medicine and public health
• The power of community-based programs in improving health outcomes
• The magic of Sunrise traditions like Roundup and Color War
• Dreams for Sunrise’s future growth and expansion
• Advice for young people considering working at a Sunrise camp
• Why a summer at Sunrise is “so much more than just a job”

Links & Resources

• Learn more about the 20 Summers of Sunrise Magic campaign → https://sunriseassociation.org/20-summers
• Commit to $20/month for 20 months and become a Magic Maker for children impacted by pediatric cancer → https://sunriseassociation.org/20-summers
• Connect with Sunrise → Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sunriseassociation/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/sunriseassociationdaycamps/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunrise-association/] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/sunriseassociation]