HOP On The Go: Hazel’s Story

When three-year-old Hazel was diagnosed with cancer, her, and her family’s, world was turned upside down. The once energetic and creative little girl’s days went from playing and activities to hospital stays and clinic visits. 

But once the family met Bailey, a specialist with Camp’s Hospital Outreach Program (HOP)TM, they had something to look forward to during their time in the hospital. Later, once Hazel began receiving treatment at the clinic, she formed a close bond with HOP specialist Emma. 

“In the beginning, she was going to clinic four or five days a week, and it’s monotonous, and it’s hard, and it hurts,” mom Jaime said. “And those days when Emma was there, she was excited. Having that time to move in a joyous way and not in a horrible way, it was…the best.” 

Hazel looked forward to those visits so much that the nurses would use them to help her get through challenging treatments. Emma had a unique ability to understand Hazel and met her with tailored projects, which sparked Hazel’s interest. 

“When I’m meeting a new family, it’s always delicate because you have to remember that they are in a challenging situation,” Emma said of her approach to working with families. “You want to be the person that brings some joy and some light into the room, and you want to show the family that you’re there for what they need. You come in offering a craft or a game, and then that is the way to build that relationship, because the connections are the most special part of HOP.” 

Over Hazel’s nearly three years of treatment, the duo have created everything from a self portrait to slime. But the day they made Marcel the Shell stands out as a favorite for both Emma and Hazel. 

“Hazel was obsessed with Marcel the Shell, and she and Emma were talking about it,” said Jaime. “Emma ordered shells and googley eyes and little sneakers, and she brought it to Hazel and said, ‘do you want to make a Marcel the Shell with Shoes on?’ She listened and understood and went the extra mile. So that was a big deal. And we still have that.” 

For Emma, being creative with Hazel has just as much of an impact on her. 

“That was what was special about my relationship with Hazel,” Emma said. “I was always learning new things from her, or she would come up with a fun craft idea. I would do it with the rest of the kids in clinic. And they would go, ‘this craft is so fun,’ and I’d tell them, ‘my friend taught me.’” 

Learn more about how HOP connections are bringing joy to children during some of their most challenging times here.