Reflecting on the Life of Sally Covert: A Pioneer Camper

Aug. 23rd, 2024 5:05 pm

 

 

Every so often, you meet someone whose spirit and presence leave a lasting impression, staying with you long after your paths last crossed. That rang true with Sally Covert. I was caught off guard when I received the call that Sally had passed away. It had been some time since our paths crossed, and the last I heard, she was doing well. Sally had grown up, become a teacher, gotten married, and had children—a life that, at one time, seemed uncertain for a child battling cancer. Her passing has weighed heavily on me these past few weeks as I've reflected on the person she was and the role she played in the early days of Camp.

I met Sally when she was around 12 years old. It didn't take long to see that she was someone special. Her energy was infectious, and she was one of those people you couldn't help but gravitate towards. Even at a young age, she carried herself with a strength that inspired those around her.

Sally was a camper during the beginning years of Camp Good Days, back when there were few, if any, places for children with cancer to gather and simply be kids. It was a different world back then. People didn't fully understand cancer, and there was a lot of fear and misinformation, with the focus being almost entirely on fighting the disease, often at the expense of the child's quality of life. Opportunities to connect with others who truly understood what they were going through were rare. In the hospital setting, it was difficult for children to find the energy or motivation to socialize. Sally was part of that first generation of campers who played a key part in laying the foundation for what Camp would become: a place where kids could feel understood and where the focus was on improving their quality of life.

Looking back on Sally's life and the early years of Camp reminds me how much has changed since then. Today, there are specialists, more research, and programs focused on improving the quality of life for children and adults with cancer. It makes me smile knowing that Camp played a role in broadening the support systems available for those impacted by this disease.

Sally's story will always be a reminder of how much progress has been made in supporting children with cancer, and these past few weeks have been hard, knowing that such a vibrant, determined person like Sally is no longer with us. What truly set her apart was her commitment to living life to the fullest despite the obstacles in her path. She never let her illness define her, choosing instead to focus on making the most of every day she was given. Her presence was a gift to all of us, and I take comfort in knowing she lived her life with love, laughter, and purpose.

To everyone who had the privilege of knowing Sally, I share in your grief, but I also share in the celebration of a life well-lived. She may no longer be with us, but her legacy will continue to live on at Camp Good Days and in the hearts of those who loved her.

Sally, thank you for the light you brought into this world. You will be missed but never forgotten.