cancer
The Exchange Club of Blackshear recently welcomed Nancy Perry of Campground Ministries as guest speaker. Perry shared a heartfelt message about the organization’s beginnings and its ongoing mission to support families facing the realities of childhood cancer.
September is recognized nationwide as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and is both one of the hardest and most important times of the year for these families. It is a time to remember the children lost, encourage those still fighting and shine a light on the need for greater awareness.
Campground Ministries was founded in memory of Perry’s grandson, Camp, the son of Brent and Sarah Tatum and brother to Isabelle and Cager. Camp was two years old in 2016 when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After months of fighting a courageous battle, he passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength and faith that inspired the creation of Campground Ministries.
In an effort to help spread awareness, Campground Ministries takes its mission out into the community. Perry host paint parties at schools, churches, businesses and events. Volunteers of all ages paint “Camp Rocks” with bright colors and meaningful messages of hope, place them in bags with information about the ministry and hide them in communities all around the world. Perry along with Camp’s paternal grandmother Cheryl Tatum, make gold bows for locals to purchase and display outside of businesses, homes and on mailboxes. These bows serve as a powerful reminder of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and help honor the memory children like Camp and those families who are still fighting.
Through the ministry, Perry along with all of Sarah and Brent’s families work to honor Camp’s memory by offering hope, encouragement and support to families walking through the same difficult journey.
Stacey Thift, President of the Blackshear Exchange Club expressed gratitude to Nancy Perry for visiting and the meaningful work she does through Campground Ministries to bring comfort and hope to others while keeping Camp’s light shining bright.
