May 19--On a beautiful, late spring afternoon in the Wabash Valley, wind rustled the trees over a small gathering of cancer survivors.
Two of the survivors, newlyweds Patsy and David Eisenman, were enjoying their first time at Camp Bluebird, a semi-annual weekend retreat for adults who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Sunday was the final day of Camp Bluebird. The camp takes place in May and September.
Just before a closing ceremony that would send the 45 participants on their separate ways for another six months, attendees enjoyed a final chapel service together under the towering trees of Camp Wabashi in southern Vigo County.
The Eisenmans, both 72 years of age, were married just a few weeks earlier. They chose to attend Camp Bluebird on the invitation of a cousin, Patsy Eisenman said.
A nationwide program, Camp Bluebird first came to Vigo County in 1990, according to Sherri Kelley, camp director and clinical educator in oncology at Union Hospital.
Camp Bluebird is funded through the Union Hospital Foundation and is staffed by Union Hospital employees and volunteers.
The age range during this weekend's camp was late-30s up to 95, Kelley said. Activities include educational sessions, fishing, arts and crafts, a theme party, games, and fellowship.
David Eisenman, who just finished 41 radiation treatments for prostate cancer, said the camp had been a wonderful experience for him.
His favorite part was "just the fellowship, and sharing with other attendees," he said.
His wife Patsy Eisenman, who is a skin cancer survivor, said, "Everybody's so nice. I like to talk, and it's been so nice to talk with everyone -- I got along well with everybody."
The two said they would like to return to the camp in the future.
During the closing ceremonies, as awards were given out to different campers for their various talents, David Eisenman received, "Lovestruck Newlywed of the Year" to great applause and laughter.
For more information about Camp Bluebird, call Sherri Kelley at (812) 238-7161.
Deb Kelly can be reached at (812) 231-4254 or deb.kelly@tribstar.com.
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