Despite the cold, rainy weather, ten soccer players, four families, the coaching staff, the camp resident doctor, Michael Amylon, and several other faculty members, Lisa Hackwood and Kelly Espinosa, gathered in the Edge for an informal meeting between Camp Okizu and the soccer program.

This year, for the annual Kicks Against Cancer event, the soccer teams are partnering with families who attend Camp Okizu, a summer camp for individuals afflicted with cancer and their families.

Although initially the event began with awkward and forced interactions, by the end the environment was full of energy and enthusiasm. Following an explanation of the event and the goals for the year by coaches Troy Thiele and Shaun Tsakiris, team members spent their time mingling with different families, trying to get to know them.

For these families, Camp Okizu provided a chance for families to connect with others. “We are all there, and we are all going through similar problems. It’s just easier to talk to people who understand, “ said Jasmine Levinger, age 12. Jasmine’s older sister Rachel Levinger, age 14, has attended oncology camp, for children who had cancer, for the last seven years while Jasmine participated in siblings’ camp, for siblings of cancer patients for the last six years.

At Okizu, campers participate in many of the same activities as any other camp like archery, swimming, boating, arts and crafts, yoga and dancing.

“It’s a challenge. A lot of people will tell me that ‘you can’t do this or you can’t do that’ but I have been able to learn slowly, “ remarked Rachel with a smile.