Trailblazer: Erin O’Brien
8/1/2024 by Beth Starkin
In 1993, Erin (Hodne) O’Brien first entered the gates of Camp as a camper, and it left a lasting impact on her. She and her friend, Ellen, a classmate since first grade who was diagnosed with the same disease as Erin, spent four memorable summers together at Hole in the Wall. And this year, in May, Erin and Ellen celebrated their shared Camp history by joining forces to form “Little Red Wagon,” a team participating in the 16th Annual Camp Challenge. Their goal was to raise funds and increase awareness for the Camp that had given them so much.
“The impact of Hole in the Wall continues to run deep within me,” Erin said. “Hole in the Wall heals from the inside out – it nourishes the soul, which is just as vital, if not more so, than healing the body. Today, Camp Challenge brings back a profound sense of excitement and belonging. Just the smell and feel of the overall Camp energy is infectious. The prospect of reliving Camp memories fills me with excitement. And to find myself back in Red 9, the same cabin Ellen and I shared in 1994, is simply astonishing.”
Erin has been participating in Camp Challenge, a family-friendly 5K held each year at Camp to raise funds for programming, for five years. This year, Erin and Ellen jumped on a new opportunity – along with eight of their friends and family – to stay in Cabin Circle the night before the race. They are one of 11 teams this year who raised more than $2,500 in total and stayed overnight to enjoy some additional activities and events – and experience just a little bit of the magic our campers feel all summer long.
“At Camp, there’s a profound connection among people; it doesn’t matter whether you were a camper, counselor or volunteer, and regardless of how long you have been part of the community,” Erin said. “There’s an innate understanding and empathy that binds everyone together. We connect first through the heart, and from there, everything else effortlessly falls into place. It’s a haven – a sacred space where you belong and a place where you will always find unwavering support. What I truly enjoy about Camp Challenge is the opportunity to connect with everyone at Camp, whether they’re old friends or new ones.”
Erin also appreciates the accessibility of Camp Challenge – it’s something that anyone can do. And this year, more than 200 runners and walkers proved that, participating alongside Erin and her team to raise an amazing $120,000 for Camp.
“I just hope that I am able to give back a fraction of what I have received in my life,” Erin said. “You may leave Camp, but Camp never leaves you – it leaves an indelible footprint on your soul, a reminder of the joy, connection and growth experienced there.”
Want to join Erin and become a Camp fundraiser? Learn more about how you can get involved as a volunteer or Camp supporter.
