As Camp Quality marked 40 years of supporting children with cancer across New Zealand, Octavier (Occy) Neal was reflecting on the friends made and opportunities had during his times at camps in Christchurch and Queenstown.
After doctors, tests and sickness, it was the fun adventures that allowed him to act like a kid with other young people that stood out.
"In Christchurch, the waterslide was one [that was memorable]. There was a really steep hill that you went down, and sometimes they had to put hay bales at the end of it ’cos you’d go along the grass," he said.
"Then, in Queenstown, we went go-karting, and, one year, the luge as well."
Since 1985, Camp Quality had provided free, week-long summer camps for thousands of children aged 5 to 16 who were living with — or beyond — cancer.
The camps were entirely volunteer-led and offered connection and fun for the children, as well as respite for parents and caregivers.
Occy’s mum Vicky Neal said the camps allowed her son to be with other "kids who understood what he had been going through", and he made some strong friendships.
"He was able to fit in, and do all those things, instead of being treated differently."
Occy’s cancer journey began when he was just 10 months old. He was first thought to have had a bone infection but was later diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis, a rare illness requiring significant surgery and treatment. Three-quarters of his tibia was removed.
Since then, his journey had included another rare diagnosis, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, which impacted his mobility.
The long-term impact of cancer treatment could be life-altering. Many survivors were left managing the ongoing physical, emotional, and cognitive effects of their treatment — and that’s where Camp Quality stepped in, the organisation’s general manager Dave Bellamy said.
"Camp Quality is not just a holiday for kids with cancer. It’s an essential part of their healing," he said.
"We create a space where kids can rebuild their confidence, develop resilience, and connect with others who truly understand their journey. It’s joyful, it’s empowering, and for many families, it’s life-changing."
After many years of camps, this summer’s marked Occy’s last, but he was looking forward to being old enough to return as a helper in several years time, he said.
Also in his future, more rugby games — a dream, though impossible after his diagnoses — and a plan to become a diesel mechanic.
