Shane Banfield… The Unsung Hero

Shane Banfield attended Ostomy Camp when he was 10 years old until he aged out.  When he aged out, Shane decided to take the Councillor-In-Training course so he could continue going to Camp.  Shane volunteered as a Councillor until his passing at age 30 in 2011.  His own words tell the story of how he felt about Camp Horizon !  He looked forward every year  going to the Camp, as a camper, and then as a councillor.  The Shane Banfield Memorial Fund is his legacy – helping with financial aid for youngsters with urinary issues across Canada attend Camp Horizon.  Again, in his own words “ I am not the only one!” – shows how he felt about Camp Horizon.

Shane’s last year as a camper was “ one of the most enjoyable times of my life and I will never forget it, or them (re-uniting with 3 of his best friends from Camp) and everybody else who I’ve spent those past years with .”  “ Without the help from Vancouver Ostomy Association , Camp Horizon, and so many caring people I would not have had the opportunities I’ve had.  This Camp I feel has opened my eyes and helped mold me into the person I am today.  It did a great deal for me and I’ve seen it do a lot for others too ! “

As a parent of a child with multiple health issues, I cannot begin to tell other parents of the benefits of Camp Horizon. According to his mom, Sandra,  Shane reaped so many positive benefits from this Camp.  Shane had so many mentors over the years , and he became one to others.  Please give to help kids like Shane and at camp let “kids be kids”.