Inspired by my sister’s childhood illness, I began a career in pediatric nursing at the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta in 1987. I was drawn to oncology after watching a video about a summer camp for kids with cancer – those sweet smiles and beautiful faces captured my heart. As a young, new graduate I was full of energy and passion, and loved every moment spent at the bedsides caring for children with cancer and their families. I was captivated by the children’s joy, strength, and courage.

I grew up in a close and loving family, and we shared many wonderful memories at the beach. I remember wishing I could take some of the kids and their families with me on my family vacation. I wanted to get them out of the hospital, away from the smells, sounds, fear, pain, and anxiety to take them to a place of peace, hope, and laughter.

In 1995, I received my Masters in Nursing and my Pediatric Nurse Practitioner’s degree. However, when I graduated they were few nurse practitioners in oncology, so I went to work in the emergency room. Leaving pediatric oncology was a very difficult decision.

In February 1999, I was taking a class to understand what the Bible says about money and stewardship. The leader of the class asked me a question that would change my life forever. “What would you do if you had a million dollars?” While I had never dreamed of this kind of personal wealth, I quickly responded that if I had that money I would take children with cancer and their families to the beach. I had seen many children with cancer recover after years of treatment, however, I watched family after family grow apart from the challenges that childhood cancer brought … financial, emotional and even spiritual. And so, what began as a dream, an idea to create a haven, a respite, a coastal retreat for families living through childhood cancer became a reality. I believe Christ came and walked the earth teaching us to love and serve others. I wanted to create a place where families could experience this love. A group of investors embraced the vision and provided office space, administrative support, business counsel, prayer, and assistance with board development and finances.

I always dreamed I would get married and have 6 kids of my own, just like my grandmother, however, the vision for The Lighthouse has blessed me, and I believe it’s been an even greater dream. We started with one retreat in 2000 with 5 families and now, just 9 years, later we have served more than 600 families and offer 10 retreats annually. It has been an incredible journey. God’s faithful provisions along with the support of hundreds of volunteers and thousands of donors have made this dream possible.

Before the first retreat, I wrote a poem to explain the vision for The Lighthouse. I hope it speaks to you and offers you hope and excitement about The Lighthouse experience … come on down!

- Melinda