Sunrise Magic Makers Podcast

counselors and leaders, their story is a powerful reflection of what Sunrise is all about: transformation, connection, and purpose. In this episode, they share the magic of brotherhood, the trauma of a diagnosis, and the joy of returning each summer to give back what was once given to them. As they carry forward the legacy of lost friends and the love of a community that never gave up, Elijah and Nathaniel remind us why Sunrise matters — for 20 summers and beyond. 🌟 Topics Covered: Elijah’s diagnosis with acute lymphoblastic lymphoma at age 4 and the trauma surrounding his birthday The impact of cancer on their sibling bond and how Sunrise kept them close Becoming campers in 2009 and never missing a summer since What it meant to become counselors — fulfilling promises to friends who didn’t make it How Sunrise taught them people skills and gave them back a sense of self The emotional weight of anniversaries and survivorship Sibling inclusion and how Sunrise supports the entire family Personal stories of campers who looked up to them and inspired their return each year The healing power of community and unconditional belonging at camp Magical moments that made them feel seen, needed, and whole again

In this heartwarming episode, we meet Adriana, a camper at Sunrise Day Camp–Long Island, who opens up about her family’s journey after her younger brother was diagnosed with leukemia. She shares what it was like to watch her brother go through treatment, the loneliness she felt when her parents were often at the hospital, and how Sunrise became the place that brought her joy, confidence, and connection again. From her favorite camp memories—like Color War and the pool—to the lifelong friendships she’s made, Adriana reminds us what Sunrise is all about: a place where every child feels seen, supported, and free to just be a kid. Topics Covered: • Adriana’s story and her brother’s leukemia diagnosis • The impact of illness on siblings and family life • How Sunrise Day Camp helped Adriana regain her confidence • Finding belonging and understanding among other Sunrise campers • The importance of community support during a family’s cancer journey • Favorite camp activities — Color War, pool days, art, and STEAM • Sunrise Sundays and year-round programs that keep the magic going • The power of friendship and connection at camp • Advice for kids who are nervous about coming to Sunrise • Adriana’s message of hope for other families navigating pediatric cancer Links & Resources: • Become a Magic Maker: Commit to $20/month for 20 months → https://sunriseassociation.org/20-sum... About Sunrise Association The Sunrise Association brings back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings worldwide through the creation of inclusive day camps, year-round programs, and in-hospital recreational activities — all completely free of charge. We serve nearly 69,000 children annually across 14 summer day camps, 85+ weekly in-hospital programs, and virtual platforms.

In this special episode, Sunrise Association CEO & President Arnie Preminger reunites with Deddy Paz—first camp director of Sunrise Israel and now lead researcher of the 2024 Sunrise Day Camps Impact Study—for a powerful conversation 15 years in the making. Deddy shares personal memories of launching Sunrise Israel and then unpacks the study’s groundbreaking findings: across seven psychosocial categories, campers showed measurable, statistically significant improvements. From resilience and quality of life to sibling relationships and illness management, the data tells a story we've always known in our hearts: Sunrise works. Topics Covered: How Sunrise Israel began and its early impact across diverse communities What makes the Sunrise model unique in the global camping landscape Why inclusion of siblings is vital—and how it benefits both siblings and diagnosed campers The lasting power of resilience: 12-week follow-up results The unexpected significance of even a single day at camp Measurable decreases in stress and anxiety among children with cancer How the research was conducted independently and academically Long-term effects of camp on illness management and sibling relationships What this data means for future programming “It’s just a day camp—but it does extraordinary things” Links & Resources: Read the Sunrise Day Camps Impact Study Findings - https://www.sunriseassociation.org/impact-study/Commit to $20/month for 20 months and become a Magic Maker → https://www.sunriseassociation.org/20-summers/

Welcome to Sunrise Magic Makers, the official podcast of Sunrise Association. In each episode, we sit down with the people who make the magic happen — from dedicated volunteers and visionary leaders to Sunrise alumni, campers, staff, and supporters — to explore the heart, hustle, and hope behind our mission: bringing back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings, always free of charge. 

Episode Summary: 

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Hina Zahid, a Sunrise alumna who began her journey as a camper in 2012 and now serves as the Rangers Unit Head. Diagnosed with a brain tumor at just 18 months old, Hina shares her powerful story of resilience, recovery, and the unmatched joy of finding community at Sunrise. From being a hesitant newcomer on the bus to becoming a beloved blue shirt and future educator, Hina reflects on the moments of connection, growth, and transformation that shaped her life — and continue to shape the lives of so many campers today. 

Topics Covered: 

• Hina’s early cancer diagnosis and how Sunrise came into her life 
• Her first summer at camp and the unforgettable welcome she received 
• Navigating friendship and identity as a child with cancer 
• The magic of being “just another kid” at Sunrise 
• What kept her coming back: camp as her first home 
• How being a camper shaped her desire to work with children 
• Full-circle moments: Watching her own campers grow over the years 
• The sibling experience and the power of inclusion at Sunrise 
• How Sunrise inspired her to pursue a career in education 
• A magical story of watching a once-nonverbal camper find his voice 

Links & Resources: 

• Commit to $20/month for 20 months and become a Magic Maker for children impacted by pediatric cancer → https://sunriseassociation.org/20-summers 

Guest: Libby – Health and Logistics Coordinator, Horizon Day Camp (Baltimore) 

In this inspiring episode, Libby shares her heartfelt journey with the Sunrise Association, beginning as a counselor at Aurora Day Camp in Atlanta and now serving as the Health and Logistics Coordinator at Horizon Day Camp in Baltimore. She opens up about a life-changing connection with a camper that shaped her path toward medicine and public health. Libby discusses the unique magic of Sunrise camps — the joy, community, and resilience built for children with cancer and their siblings — and how those values have influenced her career aspirations. Her story is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact Sunrise has on both campers and staff alike. 

Topics Covered 

• How Libby first discovered Aurora Day Camp as a teen 
• Why she returned to Sunrise years later at Horizon Day Camp 
• The “aha moment” with a camper that changed her perspective 
• The unique challenges and joys of supporting siblings of children with cancer 
• How Sunrise shaped Libby’s passion for medicine and public health 
• The power of community-based programs in improving health outcomes 
• The magic of Sunrise traditions like Roundup and Color War 
• Dreams for Sunrise’s future growth and expansion 
• Advice for young people considering working at a Sunrise camp 
• Why a summer at Sunrise is “so much more than just a job” 

Links & Resources 

• Learn more about the 20 Summers of Sunrise Magic campaign → https://sunriseassociation.org/20-summers 
• Commit to $20/month for 20 months and become a Magic Maker for children impacted by pediatric cancer → https://sunriseassociation.org/20-summers 
• Connect with Sunrise → Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sunriseassociation/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/sunriseassociationdaycamps/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunrise-association/] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/sunriseassociation] 

Najma Zanelli never expected her family’s life to be touched by pediatric cancer. When her daughter Nyla was diagnosed, their world turned upside down — but so did everything again when they discovered Sunrise. In this powerful and personal episode, Najma opens up about navigating her daughter’s diagnosis while raising two daughters, Nyla and Samira, through unimaginable challenges. She shares how Sunrise brought not only joy and normalcy back into their lives but also gave both her girls the gift of summer magic — a place where they could laugh, play, and just be kids. This conversation is a testament to the healing power of community, resilience in motherhood, and the enduring hope that Sunrise creates for every family it touches. 

Topics Covered: 
• The moment Nyla was diagnosed and how it changed everything 
• Finding Sunrise and what it meant for Najma and her daughters 
• The power of sibling inclusion through Samira’s camp experience 
• What “just being a kid” looks like at Sunrise 
• How Sunrise brought joy during their most difficult seasons 
• Reflections on resilience, identity, and motherhood 
• The emotional weight Sunrise lifted from Najma’s shoulders 
• The deeper meaning of community and connection 
• Sunrise’s impact on their family dynamics 
• What Najma wants other families facing pediatric cancer to know 

Links & Resources: 
• Commit to $20/month for 20 months and become a Magic Maker for children impacted by pediatric cancer → https://sunriseassociation.org/20-summers 
• Connect with Sunrise →  
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sunriseassociation/  
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sunriseassociationdaycamps/  
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunrise-association/  
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/sunriseassociation 

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Sami Tanenbaum, who has led Aurora Day Camp in Atlanta since its very first summer in 2017. Sami shares her emotional introduction to Sunrise, the spark that led her back to hands-on work with campers, and the powerful moments that have defined her journey. From chaotic lunch singalongs to quiet emotional breakthroughs, Sami reminds us what true camp magic looks like—and why every child deserves a safe place to just be a kid. 

Topics Covered: 
• Sami’s journey from nonprofit funding to camp leadership 
• Her emotional first visit to Sunrise Long Island 
• Creating a “celebration every day” culture at Aurora 
• The power of traditions—from song wheels to lunchtime chaos 
• Transformative stories from campers and parents 
• The role of staff and counselors as behind-the-scenes magic makers 
• Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable—and why it matters 
• The impact of Sunrise on siblings and survivors 
• Community partners, volunteers, and parent support at Aurora 
• Sami’s vision for expanding the reach of Sunrise in Georgia 

Links & Resources: 
• Learn more about the 20 Summers of Sunrise Magic campaign → https://sunriseassociation.org/20-summers 
• Connect with Sunrise: 

• Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sunriseassociation/ 

• Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/sunriseassociationdaycamps/ 

• LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunrise-association/ 

• YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/sunriseassociation 

Episode 2: Banking Time, Spreading Joy: Gary Raisig's Sunrise Story Guest: Gary Raisig, Commercial Banker & Corporate Champion for Sunrise Episode Summary: What started as a simple coffee meeting turned into a six-year journey of heart, hustle, and community for Gary Raisig. In this episode, Gary shares how a chance introduction to Sunrise sparked his passion for giving back — through innovative corporate campaigns like "Banking Your Time" and his deep personal commitment to building a community of support. From calling in ideas on his Peloton to rallying hundreds of colleagues, Gary shows us how one person’s energy can ripple through an entire organization, creating moments of joy and connection that change lives. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about family, resilience, and the power of showing up for something bigger than yourself. Topics Covered: How Gary first connected with Sunrise through a business relationship with Steve Marcus The origin story of "Banking Your Miles," born on a Peloton ride during COVID Evolving the initiative into "Banking Your Time" to include more activities and passions The challenge and reward of integrating corporate culture with charitable giving How Sunrise’s annual walk has become a hub for Gary’s personal and professional communities The impact of introducing his young children to Sunrise’s mission and joy Why Gary calls Sunrise the “most selfish, selfless act” and how it transformed his life The importance of leaning in and finding your own way to contribute How his efforts inspire others to get creative in support of Sunrise The vision of making the SunriseWALKS the “new company picnic” Links & Resources: Support the Banking Your Time campaign → https://sunrise-walks.org/index.cfm?f... Commit to $20/month for 20 months and become a Magic Maker for children impacted by pediatric cancer → https://sunriseassociation.org/20-sum... Connect with Sunrise → Instagram [  / sunriseassociation  ] | Facebook [  / sunriseassociationdaycamps  ] | LinkedIn [  / sunrise-association  ] | YouTube [   / sunriseassociation  ] ✨ The Sunrise Association brings back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings worldwide through the creation of inclusive day camps, year-round programs, and in-hospital recreational activities, all completely free of charge. We serve nearly 60,000 children annually across 13 summer day camps, 80+ weekly in-hospital programs, and virtual platforms. Learn more at Sunrise Association → https://www.sunriseassociation.org/

Welcome to Magic Makers, the official podcast of Sunrise Association. In each episode, we sit down with the people who make the magic happen — from dedicated volunteers and visionary leaders to Sunrise alumni, campers, staff, and supporters — to explore the heart, hustle, and hope behind our mission: bringing back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings, always free of charge.

As we mark our 20th summer, we’re honoring two decades of laughter, resilience, and childhood joy. This podcast is part of our year-long celebration — a living time capsule of the stories that built Sunrise and the people who continue to shape its future.

In this powerful premiere episode, we sit down with Arnie Preminger, the founder and heart behind Sunrise Association, to hear the origin story that began with a Paul McCartney concert and turned into a global movement. Arnie shares how one night of inspiration led to the creation of the world’s first full-summer day camp for children with cancer and their siblings — and how a vision fueled by compassion, community, and courage grew into a network of life-changing programs serving nearly 60,000 children each year. It’s a conversation about magic, mission, and the people who make it all possible.

Topics Covered:

• The Paul McCartney concert that planted the seed for Sunrise

• Why day camps — not sleepaway — filled a critical gap for kids with cancer

• The “perfect storm” of community, hospitals, and heart that launched Sunrise

• Early challenges and the moment Arnie knew Sunrise would succeed

• The decision to include siblings — and why it’s one of Sunrise’s most powerful values

• Launching Sunrise on Wheels and bringing the magic into hospitals

• Expanding to Israel and what makes the Sunrise model replicable

• How Sunrise maintains excellence and safety in everything — even Uno cards!

• Arnie’s personal “aha moment” and reflections on legacy

  Why joy, hope, and love are at the center of every Sunrise experience