Diagnosed: September 11, 2023
In 2020, Crew Camp was just a playful 2-year-old when his parents received news that no family should ever hear: their son had a brain tumor on his pons. For three years, the tumor remained unchanged, a fragile peace allowing Crew to continue his childhood. But on September 11, 2023, during what was supposed to be a routine scan, their world turned upside down. The tumor was discovered to be diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a diagnosis that came with the heart-wrenching reality that Crew’s time was now uncertain.
Now 6 years old, Crew is a spirited child from Seneca, South Carolina, whose joy for life remains undimmed. After spending four months undergoing radiation treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Crew has returned home. He’s now on hospice care, but that hasn’t stopped him from living life to the fullest. Known for his kind and protective nature, especially toward his big sister Natalie, Crew finds comfort and joy in simple pleasures—whether it’s playing Minecraft and Roblox, exploring new virtual worlds, or racing around the yard on his ATV with his faithful dog Gwen by his side.
In the face of this unimaginable reality, the Camp family has found strength in their community. Northside Elementary School rallied around Crew, hosting a “Wear Blue for Crew” day to raise funds and show their unwavering support for the family. This outpouring of love has been a beacon of light in the Camp family’s darkest days.
“A heart can be broken and so full all at the same time. Joy and pain do and can coexist,” Crew’s mom, Allison, shared. As she watches her son navigate this brave battle, she finds solace in moments of grace—like the way methadone has helped manage Crew’s pain. For now, they’ve reached a delicate plateau where Crew is comfortable and can still enjoy his favorite activities. Allison knows the cunning nature of DIPG, but she’s determined to embrace every moment of this respite.
“He has shown me every day of his life that he came to this earth to enjoy it, to brighten it, and to fill it with as much love as possible,” Allison says. Her words speak volumes about the profound impact Crew has had on everyone around him.
As Allison reflects on her journey with Crew, her focus remains clear: be present. “The best and only thing I know to do anymore is stay present. Stay here in the now. Keep doing my best. I cannot fix this for my son, but I can make the best of it. That is my focus right now.”
With every ATV ride, every game of Minecraft, and every shared moment, Crew’s love of life shines through, leaving a lasting imprint on all who know him.
