Claire

Smile-A-Mile has influenced my life in a way that I never thought possible. I came as a camper in 2008 just excited to be away from my parents for a week, not expecting to come back with lifelong friends and a passion for the camp that I had attended. I went every year after that, developing a friend group that came to have the nickname the “fab five”, and we did absolutely everything together. They truly gave me the close community that I had longed for who understood what I went through with cancer. These girls were not the only ones who influenced my life though. I had countless counselors and other campers who inspired me by their dedication, strength, and compassion for others. I have truly fallen in love with the community that Smile-A-Mile fosters not only on the campgrounds but outside of that. This community also fostered my decision to go to UAB so that I could be closer to my camp family, and be able to participate in activities going on there. This year, I have transitioned in a way to being on the volunteer side of camp. I have applied and interviewed to be counselor, and have attended the Monkey C Monkey Run. I also plan to help volunteer at a movie night. I am so excited to see how I can make an impact in the organization that has done so much for me. 🙂