Summary

In the prologue, in 1994, when Jarrett was 16, he volunteered to work at Camp Sunshine, “a camp for kids with life-threatening illnesses” (2). Although many people wondered if the experience was sad, the “camp was happy” and taught Jarrett about life (3).

Jarrett had lived with his grandparents since he “was a toddler” (4). They supported his decision to go to Camp Sunshine, but were unsure why he would want to. His grandmother doubted “such frail kids” could participate in outdoor activities. Jarrett’s grandparents’ son Joey had had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma “when he was in his early twenties,” but they rarely discussed the experience (6). Jarrett only knew “the treatment prevented” Joey from having children and his grandfather had cried over the diagnosis (6).

Jarrett’s grandfather drove him to school for the trip. Jarrett was nervous, but knew the opportunity was special. His name had been...