#TEDDI41 FEBRUARY 17-18, 2023 (8PM-8PM)

Author Archives: Andrew Houde

#Teddi43 Dedication

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Ethan Ernest Rivard

Ethan Ernest Rivard

Ethan Ernest Rivard was born on April 6, 2003, to Tom and Natalie Rivard in Syracuse, NY. Ethan was an exceptional baby, speaking his first words at 7 months old and literally calling his doctor by name at his 1 year well visit. By 18 months old, however, Ethan began displaying peculiar symptoms, like keeping his head tilted to one side and losing his balance for no reason. It was discovered that Ethan had a major tumor of the brain and spine, requiring immediate life-threatening surgery. The tumor was medulloblastoma, a vicious cancer and would require a year of further procedures, high dose chemotherapies, stem cell transplant, and radiation. After a year of torment and a great deal of time spent in the hospital, he had made it through with no signs of tumor.

Life was stable for many years. He would live to welcome and adore his sister, Lyla (now 17), and brother, Lucas (now 15). He loved comics, movies, all things Marvel, and music. Hewould never take a shower without his Bluetooth speaker playing his songs. His favoritesincluded Gorillaz, The Airborne Toxic Event, Wu Tang Clan, and The Head and The Heart. He loved attending concerts, and he was able to see all of these bands (except for Wu Tang).

As a teenager, his humor led him to fall in love with the likes of South Park and Rick and Morty. He always appreciated a crude joke and made all those around him laugh. Ethan’s time spent with Camp Good Days were some of the most special of his life. He made an indelible mark on those around him and could not wait for the next camp event or sleep over week. We will forever be grateful to all the wonderful volunteers and staff that make Camp Good Days so special to kids that are going through this terrible disease.

Just after Ethan’s 20th birthday in April of 2023, he began to get symptoms resembling a stomach bug. When they persisted, he was taken to the ER. That is when it was discovered that Ethan had a devastating new brain tumor, ATRT, that was incurable for him. We lost our beautiful, hilarious boy on July 22, 2023. He left this world with his trademark side smirk on his face, as if he were already cracking jokes with the loved ones that went before him. He continues to send us messages, signs, and dreams to let us know he is close, even though his absence is crushingly felt every day. The mark he left on this world and in so many hearts ensure that he will live on. Until we meet up again in our forever…

#Teddi34 Dedication

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Amanda Grace Conrow

Dates of life 1/20/2009-2/8/2015

Amanda Grace Conrow

Amanda Grace Conrow, affectionately known as “Panda,” was born in Rochester, NY, and lived a short but impactful life until her passing on February 8, 2015, at the age of 6. She had stunning blue eyes, loved the color purple, and watched the movie Despicable Me at least 100 times (she dressed up as Agnes for halloween!). She was surrounded by a loving family, including her parents Liz and Paul, and her siblings Samantha, Michael, Jessica, and Emily,. Amanda’s life, though brief, touched many hearts and left a lasting impression on her community.

During her battle with cancer, Amanda found joy and support at Camp Good Days. She particularly loved attending brain tumor weekend with her family, where she delighted in the dress-up cabin and bouncing on the special bouncy pillow. These experiences provided Amanda with precious moments of happiness and normalcy during her challenging journey. The camp’s programs, designed to improve the quality of life for children and families affected by cancer, became an integral part of Amanda’s life.

The Conrow family’s connection to Camp Good Days extended beyond Amanda’s time as a camper. They actively participated in fundraising efforts, with Amanda enthusiastically selling kazoos at the mall with her family around the holidays. This activity not only supported the camp but also created cherished memories for the family. The Conrows remain deeply grateful for the unwavering support provided by Camp Good Days, both during Amanda’s treatment and after her passing. The camp’s dedication to creating “good days and special times” for children like Amanda has left an indelible mark on the family and continues to honor her memory.

#Teddi42 Dedication

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Madison Kait Barthelmes

Madison Kait Barthelmes

Madison Kait Barthelmes, the loving, funny, heart-of-gold daughter of John and Kaitlyn Barthelmes passed away on February 14, 2023 after a year-long fight with Leukemia. She was born April 16, 2016 and lived in Fairport with her parents, three year old brother Jackson, and Grandparents Jim and Peggy Zorn – who all miss her dearly.

Madison loved to sing and dance, and could often be found dancing with her nurses, doctors and even other patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital during her year long treatment stay. She had special moments and activities with every person she connected with. With Grandpa they would learn magic. Grandma and Maddie were always sewing, baking and singing “Puff the Magic Dragon”. She would play and watch funny cat videos with her brother Jackson and was the best big sister teaching him everything she knew (and would often be found cuddling). She was a big fan of the Harry Potter and Twilight movies and would help her Papa tell “Harry Maddie” bedtime stories that always placed her in the center of the action. They also regularly played Barbies with long extravagant story lines. She enjoyed watching YouTube videos and has made many dance and challenge videos with her Mama in the hopes of becoming famous. Mama was also the one she cuddled with and shared her deepest secrets with.

Her favorite colors would change regularly and most recently settled on teal and black. Maddie wanted to grow up to be a hair dresser, makeup artist, song-writer, YouTube star, scientist and nurse. She had a love for animals. She wanted another kitten, a husky puppy, a sugar glider, and a monkey.

Madison was a bright light in this world and would have no problem sharing her positive attitude with anyone close by. She saw the best in everyone, even when those around her couldn’t. She taught us to realize that other people’s problems are bigger than our own. Throughout the past year of chemotherapy treatments, tests, pokes and prods she was always smiling and would say she was “good” with 2 thumbs up. Her attitude amazed her entire medical team and many would often say “She doesn’t even look sick” despite everything she was going through. She was adored by all her friends at Spotlight Studios and Dudley Elementary and family members far and wide. Madison had a will to live like no other. Even after 322 nights sleeping in the hospital, she still wanted to stay there for more treatment to get better so she could go on her epic trip she planned which includes: “Great Wolf Lodge, New York City, Chautauqua, Disney, Great Wolf Lodge, London, back to Great Wolf Lodge for a month”.

Madison, in the eyes of her friends and family, will forever be that cheerful 6 year old. The perfect angel. Someone who would treat everyone like a best friend, even if they just met. She will be forever missed.

#Teddi41 Dedication

#Teddi41 Dedication

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Tilahun “T” Belete Gushish

Tilahun Belete Gushish

Teddi 41 is dedicated to Tilahun “T” Belete Gushish, a beloved member of the Camp Good Days family. T was incredibly passionate and caring and was able to light up even the darkest rooms with laughter. He first came to Camp Good Days as a camper and continued to return as a volunteer and staff member. In his 20 years of life, T made a profound impact on not only Camp, but on everyone who was lucky enough to know him. We were able to have T join us as one of our inspirations at a committee meeting earlier this year, and got to experience first-hand his positive attitude and passion for life. T was someone who truly embodied the Camp Good Days spirit, and he will truly be missed. We keep him in our thoughts as we dance for Teddi 41.