Rebecca's Wish

08/10/2026

For many families affected by pediatric pancreatitis, mealtime is not something to take for granted. Every child is different, but many of our patients struggle with nausea, abdominal pain, food sensitivities, or dietary restrictions that can make eating stressful instead of enjoyable. Parents often tell us that one of their greatest daily challenges is simply deciding what to prepare that is both nourishing and appealing to their child. At Rebecca's Wish, we understand those struggles because we hear about them every day from the families we serve.

That is why we are excited to share a wonderful new resource from our friends at The National Pancreas Foundation. Their newly released digital cookbook was created specifically for those of you living with pancreatic disease, including children. Best of all, it is available at no charge, making it a great resource for families looking for fresh meal ideas that support pancreatic health. Inside, there are dozens of thoughtfully developed recipes that can help take the guesswork out of meal planning whether that be Bean Burgers, Grilled Salmon, or even Strawberry Galette.

One of the things we value most about this cookbook is that it recognizes the important reality that food is about much more than nutrition. Meals are a time when families gather, memories are made, and children simply get to be kids. When pancreatic disease complicates those moments, resources like this can help restore confidence in the kitchen and bring a little more joy back to the table. That aligns perfectly with our mission at Rebecca's Wish of improving the lives of children living with pancreatitis and supporting our families.

If your family is navigating pediatric pancreatitis or another pancreatic disease, we encourage you to consider this cookbook. Sometimes hope comes in the form of groundbreaking research. Other times, it begins with sharing a meal together.

Copy and paste this link to download the cookbook at no cost:

Online Flipbook created with Publuu Flipbook Maker.

08/03/2026

Some children inspire you the moment you meet them. Twelve-year-old Lesley Isugi is one of those unique kids.

Originally from Kigali, Rwanda, and now living in Baltimore, Lesley carries herself with a quiet confidence and remarkable strength. Although her journey has included challenges most children will never face, she continues to meet each day with resilience and hope.

Lesley's medical journey began after she was diagnosed with leukemia as a young child. During her very first week of chemotherapy, she experienced her first attack of acute pancreatitis. Over the next two years, Lesley endured at least 15 painful pancreatitis attacks, and even after her cancer treatment ended, her battle with pancreatitis continued.

But Lesley is so much more than a diagnosis.

Her experiences have inspired a love of science and a desire to better understand the diseases she has fought so courageously. Living with pancreatitis means living with uncertainty. Lesley says the disease has caused her to miss out on school and many of the everyday experiences enjoyed by her friends, which is why she is passionate about raising awareness.

"Many people don't even know what the pancreas does until the disease touches their own lives," she says.

Lesley first discovered Rebecca's Wish while she was hospitalized during one of her pancreatitis episodes. Through our nonprofit, she found something every child with a rare disease deserves: a community.

At Camp Hope, she experienced unforgettable adventures including zip-lining and horseback riding. Even more meaningful to Lesley were the friendships she built with other children with pancreatitis.

"Thank you so much, Rebecca's Wish, for giving me and everyone else a community where we can talk about our experiences without feeling like no one understands," says Lesley.

Lesley, your courage, kindness, and determination inspire us every day. Thank you for sharing your story, raising awareness, and reminding us why our mission matters. Congratulations on being our Pancreas Pal of August 2026. Your Rebecca's Wish family is proud to celebrate you!

07/27/2026

What an unforgettable few days in Minneapolis at PancreasFest 2026!

Rebecca's Wish was proud to stand alongside many of the brightest minds and biggest hearts in pancreatic care as physicians, researchers, healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and industry leaders gathered with one shared mission: improving the lives of those impacted by pancreatic disease.

One of the most meaningful moments of the conference was watching Rebecca's Wish President, Christyn Taylor - who also serves as Board Chair of the Collaborative Alliance for Pancreatic Education and Research (CAPER) which hosts PancreasFest - deliver a compelling presentation about pediatric pain and the pancreas.

Christyn's message challenged attendees to look beyond the diagnosis and recognize pain as one of the most significant and life-altering aspects of pediatric pancreatitis. Her presentation reinforced the importance of listening to patients, advancing research, and ensuring pain management remains at the forefront of pediatric pancreatic care. We are tremendously proud of Christyn's leadership and the voice she continues to provide for children and families around the world.

PancreasFest is more than a conference. It is a powerful reminder that meaningful change happens when passionate people unite around a common purpose. And what a wonderful gift it was to see so many Camp Hope volunteers and medical providers participating in this conference which was attended by more than 250 people.

We are deeply grateful to CAPER for hosting another exceptional event and to every presenter, researcher, clinician, volunteer, and advocate who generously shared their expertise and dedication.

Together, we are creating a future where every child living with pancreatic disease can have more hope, more answers, and more reasons to believe. 🩷

07/20/2026

"Where there is family, there is love." That common cliche about the tight bond of family is especially germane at Camp Hope. Of the 108 volunteers at camp in 2026, approximately 30 different families joined us at Camp Hope with multiple family members participating as volunteers.

We had mother/daughter combinations. Father/sons. Husband/wife. We even had three generations with us at Camp Hope from the Ray Family in Nebraska: Charlie Ray is a long-time camper. His mother, Megan, is a nurse of many years on the Camp Hope team. And this year, for the first time, Lori Minert joined us at camp.

"After watching what a change Camp Hope made for my grandson, Charlie, and how humbled and touched Megan came home after being the Nurse in a cabin, I knew this camp was something special. When I made the decision to retire, I knew helping at Camp Hope was one of the things I wanted to do if they would have me," Lori told us while noting that she plans to send "Granny" cards to her campers over the course of the year to check in with them. "I know it may sound corny, but I can't believe how much I grew to love these kids in just the 5 days we had them. They all touched my heart in ways I won't forget and I cried telling them all good-bye."

This was also the first year at Camp Hope for Leanne Boddie and her 20-year-old daughter, Endie, who served as cabin counselors for a group of middle school girls. Leanne used to be a teacher at Leon Springs Elementary where Rebecca's Wish President Christyn Taylor made strong connections, because her 3 children attended school there.

“Being able to experience Camp Hope together with my daughter was truly a blessing. It is such an amazing and unique experience that unless you have seen it first hand, it’s hard to understand," Leanne stressed while also noting that her entire family now wants to volunteer at Camp Hope in 2027.

It is powerfully reaffirming to our team at Rebecca's Wish to see so many families sharing the experience of Camp Hope as volunteers. Family and love are everything to Rebecca's Wish, and we are especially grateful for you!

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07/18/2026

UPCOMING WEBINAR that we think might interest you:

Nutrition, Fatty Pancreas, and EPINutrition Support for Pancreatic Diseases for Adults and Children: Wednesday, July 22nd | 2 PM EST.

Carley Shroyer, MSN, APRN and Samantha Godee-Papamihail, MS, RD, LD, will discuss nutrition strategies for BOTH adults and children living with pancreatic diseases. Topics will include maintaining proper nutrition, managing symptoms, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), addressing weight changes, and practical tips for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to support long-term health and quality of life. There will also be a live Q&A at the end. Webinar brought to you by The National Pancreas Foundation in partnership with AbbVie.

07/13/2026

Five years ago, Camp Hope launched in Ohio with a simple dream to create a place where children living with pediatric pancreatitis could leave behind the isolation of their diagnosis to simply be kids. Today, that dream has grown into something extraordinary.

Co-hosted by The National Pancreas Foundation, Camp Hope is now a one-of-a-kind overnight camp that brings together children from across the country for a week filled with laughter, understanding, friendship, and hope.

In early June, more than 100 pancreas warriors from 33 states, along with dedicated counselors and medical professionals, came together in San Antonio to experience the magic of Camp Hope. No one needed to explain their scars, their medications, or discuss their hospital stays. Campers left with new confidence, lifelong friendships, and the comforting knowledge that they are never alone.

Our 5th anniversary signature video captures the moments that words can never fully describe: the smiles, the courage, the hugs, the happy tears, and the pure joy of children who finally feel seen. These are the moments that remind us why Camp Hope exists and why it continues to change lives, one child and one family at a time.

To every camper, parent, volunteer, counselor, and medical professional who has been part of our amazing journey over the last five years, we thank you for helping build a place where hope lives. We are honored to share this year's Camp Hope video with you. 🩷🩷🩷

07/06/2026

Looking for a great way to support Camp Hope? Our Camp Hope T-shirts and drawstring bags are now available!

Every purchase helps fund future Camp Hope experiences for children and teens living with pancreatitis. You are not just buying Camp Hope merchandise. You are helping to create unforgettable memories, lasting friendships, and a place where our pancreas patients know that they are not alone.

To purchase your Camp Hope merch, go to the Rebecca's Wish website and look for our link at the top of our home page. Supplies are limited, so be sure to make your purchase right away.

Thank you for helping us give more campers the opportunity to experience the hope, healing, and joy that comes with Camp Hope.

07/03/2026

Happy 4th of July from all of us at Rebecca's Wish! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙

As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, we want to express our gratitude to those of you who make our pancreas family stronger every day.

We are especially thankful for the amazing doctors, nurses, surgeons, researchers, and healthcare professionals who care for children with pancreatic diseases. Your compassion, dedication, and expertise bring hope to our community, and we salute you for being our partners at Rebecca’s Wish!

06/29/2026

Our Pancreas Pal for July is Joseph Gorman who is 18 years old and lives in Oneonta, Alabama. Joseph loves to read and play guitar, a hobby that has helped him bond with family and develop a deep appreciation for music.

Joseph was diagnosed with pancreatitis at the age of five and tells us that living with pancreatitis often has felt isolating. He shares that many people do not understand the physical and emotional challenges that come with living with a chronic illness. “The feeling of being misunderstood is one of the reasons Camp Hope has become so meaningful in my life,” said Joseph.

Camp Hope has provided Joseph with a strong support system of counselors and fellow campers. He says it is a space where no one has to explain their disease because “everyone understands.” Whether campers connect through sports, music, comic books, or other shared interests, they all share the unique experience of living with pancreatitis, according to Joseph. Those connections create friendships and a support system that endure long after the end of camp. He says that any time he needs help, he feels like his counselors and cabin mates are there for him "no matter the distance."

Joseph wants to thank Rebecca's Wish for helping to improve his life as a pancreatitis patient and for providing hope, support, and life-changing experiences for children and families affected by pancreatitis.

We appreciate you, Joseph, for sharing your story with Rebecca’s Wish and for being an amazing role model for younger campers at Camp Hope.