Bryce Matthew showed up to Camp Joy two hours early, because even after all these years, he still couldn’t wait to get here.
Now 18, Bryce has made this journey from Louisiana to Ohio more times than most campers—year after year, flight after flight—because what happens at Camp Joy is worth every mile. His family has flown over 800 miles each way, many times, so Bryce could return to the one place that makes him feel free, joyful, and fully himself. In earlier years, it was his mom, Rebecca, who made the journey with him. Since her passing three years ago, his dad, Brian, has carried that torch with steady devotion and deep love.
Bryce was diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) before he was born. At birth, his heart was so enlarged that doctors told his parents he wouldn’t survive—let alone thrive. But he did. Since then, he’s endured major brain surgery at age three, frequent seizures, and unimaginable loss. His father is now his full-time caregiver, guiding Bryce through each day with gentleness, strength, and sacrifice.
When we asked Brian what he planned to do while Bryce was at camp, his answer was one word: “Rest.” Then he added quietly, “This is the only place I feel comfortable leaving him.”
That’s the kind of trust Camp Joy has built, one visit at a time.
When Bryce arrived, he was glowing with anticipation, talking about his two favorite things: fishing and the talent show. While we chatted, he discovered something new this year, hidden Yetis tucked in the woods, and his spark only grew brighter.
Camp Joy became part of Bryce’s world through a long-standing partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Tuberous Sclerosis Clinic, which has been sending campers here for over 12 years.
One of Bryce’s doctors was here to greet him, and as soon as they saw each other, they both lit up and said in unison: “You’re growing up!” / “Look how big I’ve gotten!”
It’s in these sacred reunions, between doctors and patients, caregivers and staff, kids and their own courage, that the deeper impact of Camp Joy unfolds. As one doctor shared, “We learn things about our patients here that we never could in a medical setting. Sometimes it even changes how we treat them.”
Bryce’s big smile, his excited energy, and his comfort in returning year after year say everything. He’s not just attending camp, he’s returning to a place that knows him, welcomes him, and uplifts him.
Thank you to Cincinnati Children’s, to Bryce, to Brian and Rebecca, whose love made these journeys possible, and to our supporters. You make Camp Joy more than a camp. You make it a lifeline.
Your generosity ensures that families like Bryce’s, families who go the distance again and again, will always have a place to land. A place worth flying a thousand miles for.
