A Second Chance at Childhood: Tyler and Hunter’s Summer at Sunrise

Tyler Lipsky with his counselor at the Long Island Camp

In November 2016, Stephanie Lipsky received a call that changed her family’s life. Her son Tyler, only 17 months, was diagnosed with AML leukemia. After extensive surgery and months of chemo and radiation, which Tyler handled like a rock star, the family thought the battle was over. But, it wasn’t and his doctors in New York recommended he be flown by helicopter to CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) for further evaluation and treatment. After more radiation and chemo, Tyler was finally in remission and could have a stem cell transplant.

“It’s just so wonderful that they can go to Sunrise together. Sending Tyler to Sunrise was the best decision I ever made.” – Stephanie Lipsky, Tyler and Hunter’s mom

When Tyler was first diagnosed, his brother Hunter, was attending pre-k at the Friedberg JCC in Oceanside, NY. The staff told her about Sunrise Day Camp-Long Island, which is a program of the JCC, where both boys would be able to attend, free of charge.

Tyler was nervous to go but, as we have so often seen, he had the best time and is counting the days until next summer! Hunter was able to join Tyler at Sunrise, riding the bus to camp and seeing each other between activities.