A Weekend To Simply Be A Kid

For many families battling pediatric cancer, a weekend away can feel nearly impossible. Between chemo and radiation treatments, doctor’s appointments, medication schedules, and the countless other demands of care, it can be difficult to step away from life at the hospital. But sometimes, there are opportunities like the weekend at Camp Heart + Hands. Here, families can rest knowing their immunocompromised child will be in a safe, supportive environment, with a team ready to help if and when they need it. It is a weekend that Jacob’s Heart families look forward to, and one that Ulises and his family had been wanting to experience since joining Jacob’s Heart. This year was finally their chance! 

Ulises is an energetic 5-year-old that lights up every room he enters with his fun-loving energy. He has a way of making friends wherever he goes, his joy is contagious, and it doesn’t take long to find yourself smiling right alongside him. In January 2025, he was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and shortly after, his family joined Jacob’s Heart. During one of his hospital visits, Ulises’s mom met other parents with children who have pediatric cancer, and they told her about Jacob’s Heart. After hearing about the support we could provide, especially with transportation, she knew she needed to reach out. We immediately welcomed them into our Jacob’s Heart family, providing rides to appointments and grocery support throughout Ulises’ battle with B-Cell ALL. Now, we’re honored to continue walking alongside Ulises and his family as he moves through remission. Ulises rang the bell on March 13, 2026 and finally had the opportunity to attend Camp Heart + Hands! 

“When we would try to come to Camp, he would be sick and we would get admitted to the hospital. This year is the first year we could make it and we were so excited.” - Ulises’s Mom

Spending a weekend away beneath the towering redwoods of Scotts Valley gave Ulises and his family something they don’t always get. They had time to slow down, breathe, and simply enjoy being together. Their weekend was filled with the little moments that make childhood feel like childhood: watching for shooting stars, Ulises running off to play with other kiddos, getting creative with arts and crafts, splashing in the pool, and discovering something new around every corner. While Ulises played, his Mom had the chance to connect with other families who understood the importance of these moments, too. Together, they could relax, laugh, and enjoy being present with one another.

On the Saturday morning of Camp, the carnival brought his joy to life. Ulises got to enjoy the different bouncy houses, games, firetrucks, and pony rides. He was surrounded by the sounds of kids laughing, calling to one another, and racing from one activity to the next. For a few precious hours, families could let their guard down and experience something wonderfully ordinary. There were kids being kids, parents watching them play, and everyone sharing in the simple happiness of a beautiful summer morning. 

That is the joy of Camp Heart + Hands. It is all about creating a space where families can pause, reconnect, make memories together. Here, even for a weekend, kids like Ulises get to simply be kids. We are so grateful to be part of Ulises and his family’s journey and to give them moments of joy, connection, and healing. As Ulises continues his journey through remission, we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way and looking forward to many more days filled with laughter, new adventures, and memories made together.

“Don’t lose hope. At the end of the day, they are stronger than you think. Seeing their smile is worth every little step.” - Ulises’s Mom

Thank you for supporting children like Ulises and his family as they battle pediatric cancer. Your support ensures they do not have to face the unimaginable alone.

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