Holly Bonney, who was diagnosed with stage 3 neuroblastoma at just 10 months old, found solace in the happy memories of a Queenstown summer camp during her challenging infancy filled with hospital visits.
Her mother, Kerry Bonney, vividly recalls the moment she discovered a lump in her daughter’s neck, leading to a whirlwind of medical care that began at a very young age.
Despite the daunting experience of undergoing six months of chemotherapy followed by six months of oral medication, Miss Bonney, now in remission, continues to face regular check-ups and fertility testing due to the early intervention.
Throughout her childhood, she found joy and adventure at Camp Quality, a charity that provides camps and recreational activities for children living with cancer. Attending these camps annually from the age of 6 to 12, Miss Bonney cherished the opportunity to simply be a child, away from health struggles.
Now, as a young adult, Miss Bonney has fulfilled her dream of becoming a companion at Camp Quality, guiding children like Emily Kernohan, 6, with the same care and compassion she received during her own time at the camp.
Reflecting on her experience, Miss Bonney praises the well-run organization for its unwavering support and dedication to creating lasting memories for children facing cancer.
Sam Fellows, the general manager of Camp Quality New Zealand, emphasizes the impact of former participants returning as companions, passing on the sense of joy, connection, and confidence that the program instilled in them to the next generation.
sam.henderson@thestar.co.nz
