Local kids impacted by cancer share lessons learned during 'Florida Fun Fest'

Rochester, N.Y. — A group of local kids whose lives have been touched by cancer got back from the trip of a lifetime Tuesday afternoon.

Last Thursday, we spoke to Kya Bach as she was leaving for a "Florida Fun Fest" hosted by Camp Good Days, which included a trip to Walt Disney World and more.

BACKGROUND: Local kids impacted by cancer embark on unforgettable journey through Camp Good Days

Kya and 18 other campers all came back into the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport Tuesday with stories to tell.

"We went to Universal, and we went on the slinky dog dash and all the other rides as well," Kya recalled. "We went on the motorcycle ride, which was the 'funnest' ride ever."

A "funnest" time, too, I suspect — sharing experiences with other kids who have had cancer. However, it wasn't an easy week for Jenny Bach, Kya's mom.

"It was probably harder for me than it was her," Jenny said. "But she had a blast, and I was grateful that she was so comfortable to be away and not have to worry about being home, which was ideal for her."

Even though it was hard, it was a time for a 10-year-old to grow and make new friends with a common bond — which makes mom pretty proud.

"Knowing that she's that confident and that strong to just go and take care of herself - she's a strong trooper.," Jenny said. "That's part of what this journey does to these kids is make them grow up quicker than they need to. They're strong, they're resilient and they're brave."

For Kya, the trip also came with a lesson in knowing that others in our caring community made the life-changing experience possible.

"I would like to say thank you, and I would like to go again," she said.

With continued community support, another "Florida Fun Fest" will take flight next year!

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