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