Synod Emphasis - Brice Sanders
The Brice-Sanders Foundation Running the Race…Cheering Them On…
By Rev. Bob Whittet
n today’s fast-paced world, there is a longing to be cared for. As Chris- tians, our calling is to look out for those around us who need encourage- ment and support, just like a shepherd tending his sheep. Some people face tough challenges, while others are simply overwhelmed by the moment. to walk alongside.
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mother’s side alone. As one of the older cousins, I always felt excitement and celebration whenever a new cousin was born into our family. One day, that cel- ebration could suddenly turn to confusion the next. I remember, as a young boy in the mid-1960s, my mother answering the phone and beginning to cry. She later said that my cousin Diane, born the day before, had an issue. The doctors had discovered she had Down Syndrome. I remember overhearing my parents talking, and my mom saying the doc- tors told my aunt to leave the baby at the hospital and forget she was ever born. Diane was expected to only live a few years, so there was no point in getting attached. I also remember her saying that my aunt and uncle wouldn’t accept that, and that Diane was coming home with them in a few days. At our next gathering of the growing group of cousins, we met Diane. She was beautiful, even though she couldn’t respond like others. She was one of us. Diane became part of our family, often bringing a smile with her contribu- couldn’t see, but could hear. Despite these limitations, it didn’t take long to understand what she wanted and loved. When Diane turned 16, my aunt and uncle threw a wonderful sixteenth birthday party for her. My uncle had invited the doctors who told them sixteen years earlier to give up on her because she wouldn’t live long or have much of a life. The doctors declined the invitation. My uncle was a long-distance runner and decided to bring Diane along on
his runs. He pushed her in a large stroller during all of his races, including the New York City Marathon. A big boombox was strapped to the back of the stroll- er, and Diane would move her body to the music for all 26 miles. They became the race as my uncle, who was running. At the Brice-Sanders Foundation (B-SF), we are proud to support individu- als with cognitive challenges by offering enriching opportunities through our Camp Joy programs. At Camp Joy, people with challenges enjoy many of the same experiences as participants in Horizon or Quest. Campers in wheelchairs are lifted out of their wheelchairs to ride the Zipline at Bonclarken. Others have the chance to paddle in our large canoe, the SS. Camp Joy. For many of these - ished annual traditions at camp in subsequent years. At Camp Joy, we celebrate our campers for who they are and for what God
has created them to be. While they spend a week with us, that experience leaves celebration, and growth. It is a time when they feel loved by the staff and their “special friend” (counselor). It is a moment when they are not only accepted for who they are but also celebrated for who God has made them. Our campers come from diverse backgrounds. Many live with their parents,
Others might stay in a group home, where they are cared for, though the level
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of personal attention can differ. All of them have someone supporting and cheering them on in life.
During their week at camp, the cheers they hear each year reach a peak. They are not only celebrated but celebrated loudly. At CJNC, we have an afternoon activity called our Olympic Games. These games include a variety of activities, all of which are achievable by our camp- ers, with some requiring additional staff support to celebrate their accom- plishments. The level of achievement varies with ability, but the applause is always enthusiastic.
around the lake at Bonclarken. Many residents and guests of Bonclarken spend hours running, jogging, or walking around the lake, often do- ing several laps. Chances are, many of you reading this have done a few laps yourselves. During our Olym- pic afternoon, our campers took on the challenge of completing one lap, and for some, it was a tough physi- their laps easily, others found it to be a once-in-a-lifetime feat. Other camp- ers and their “special friends” walked alongside them, offering encourage- ment, water breaks, and support. As they neared the pavilion, those who earlier—began to cheer. The cheer grew louder until each camper, arms line, broke the ribbon, and had their medals placed around their necks. It was inspiring to see campers push through to the end, fueled by the cheers of others.
My son Justin lives in Santa Bar- bara, CA, and is both a senior scien- tist and an accomplished runner. I re- member watching him run every one of his middle school cross-country races, followed by many of his high school races. He is disciplined and
The Associate Reformed Presbyterian
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