You probably don’t expect patients to address their doctor at St. Luke’s Pediatric Cancer Institute as “Meeker” or “Chicken Nugget.” But that’s what he answers to every summer when he goes to camp.
Dr. Nate Meeker is one of four Pediatric Oncologists in our state. Each summer, all of them spend time helping local nonprofit Camp Rainbow Gold safely take Idaho children to summer camp who have had, or are currently battling, cancer. The children spend time outside and experience hope, healing, love, and what it feels like just to be a kid.
“These are kids who live every day with the thought that ‘I could die, I could die from this treatment,’” said Meeker, who has been going to Camp since 2010. “When they talk about Camp, they feel it’s a place they can go and be loved for who they are, and share things that are of profound importance with others who understand.”
For nearly 40 years, Camp Rainbow Gold has run oncology camps for children, teens, siblings, and families. Having Dr. Meeker and the others on site is invaluable, as it gives parents the confidence to allow their fragile child to leave home or the hospital for a week. It also allows children to see their doctors in a whole new light. Instead of white coats, antiseptic smells, and artificial lights, they watch their doctors dress up in silly costumes, sing wacky songs, and challenge them to water balloon fights, a dance-off, or a canoe race.
“It is such a privilege to get a front row seat at Camp. It is a magical place where truly a lot of healing takes place,” said Meeker.
Dr. Meeker also volunteers as a member of the Camp Rainbow Gold Board of Directors. He is helping oversee the building of Hidden Paradise, the new permanent home for Camp Rainbow Gold in Fairfield, Idaho. The new facility will be the first medically-designed, accessible and adaptable camp that will house Camp Rainbow Gold and other organizations across Idaho serving those with physical, mental or emotional challenges. For more information, visit www.camprainbowgold.org or www.anewplacelikehome.org.