Since 2008, the Me-One Foundation, a volunteer-run nonprofit based in Roseville, has hosted Camp Wieser, providing respite and peace for adults battling cancer. The organization’s mission is to lessen the pain that cancer brings to adult patients and their families through activities and events that promote courage, hope, and laughter. Camp Wieser, hosted this year from September 13-15, gives families impacted by cancer the gift of time—time to rekindle connections, time to laugh, time to share, and time to remember what normal feels like…an opportunity to focus on living life, not a diagnosis. Because of generous donations, campers and their guests pay absolutely nothing for their time at Camp Wieser.

Volunteer Peter Sabin

Volunteer Spotlight: PETER SABIN

What made you want to become a volunteer for Me-One Foundation? The way my family was treated when we were campers. I was the caregiver, and knowing that my wife, Cindy, was taken care of and could relax, and that both my children could play and release for just a moment, was precious. This is the feeling I hope to provide others as a volunteer. The changing of shirts from camper light blue to volunteer navy blue was extremely powerful. I’m glad that my daughter, Christina, has also joined me as a volunteer.

What do your volunteer duties entail? There are lots of different jobs a volunteer can have at Camp Wieser. I’ve been everything from a shuttle driver to, most recently, a family host. Volunteering as a family host is incredibly special; prior to the camp weekend you’re assigned to a family and help them prepare for their time at camp, whether it’s with paperwork or a packing list—essentially acting as a concierge to the family so they don’t need to worry about the details of the weekend and can just enjoy themselves. During camp, you’re there to greet the family, help them settle in, and navigate the busy weekend. There’s always something to do at camp, so we all step in to help wherever it’s needed.

Is there training required? All the training needed is provided by the Me-One team. To be a family host, the training is provided prior to camp through Zoom meetings; all other volunteer roles receive their training during the volunteer meeting that happens the morning before camp begins.

What’s the time commitment? Camp Wieser is three days in mid-September each year and held in the Santa Cruz Mountains. All volunteers are housed on campus and spend the weekend there. Other volunteer opportunities throughout the year might include participating in a local parade or helping with fundraisers. 

What’s been the best day of volunteering so far? The best days are when the campers and families relax and can share in the joy of not focusing on the big "C," or when a past camper comes back as a volunteer. Those moments are special. The changing of the light blue shirt to a dark blue one really is magical. 

What’s one of the biggest challenges? Although we can’t change the outcome of someone’s cancer journey, we can give them respite from their daily struggles. The challenge of knowing they have cancer is outweighed by the smiles and joy witnessed during camp.

For more information, including ways you can donate or volunteer, visit me-onefoundation.org.

Photos courtesy of Me-One Foundation.