By Gaby Webster, Director of Donor Relations, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia
Some organization names are aspirational. Others are descriptive. But after attending the visitor's night at Special Love’s flagship program, Camp Fantastic, I can confidently say that the local nonprofit, Special Love, is aptly named. From the second I walked into the dining hall, it was so clear every camper was having a fantastic time and this place was special!
Camp Fantastic is the hallmark week-long camp for children with cancer 7- to 17-years-old. Going back to 1983, the camp has partnered with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to provide a medically safe environment for the children. Special Love is also a recognized National Institutes of Health (NIH) charity. Campers enjoy activities such as swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, campfire singing, and more – all the activities children enjoy at a traditional summer camp. The Fantastic Cancer Camp Fund at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA) was established in spring 2025 and sparked my invitation to visitors’ night.
This designated endowment fund provides perpetual support for the camp as well as the BRASS Camp held separately for siblings. This Fund was established by longtime CFNOVA partners and Special Love supporters, Christine & David Etue, and reflects their commitment to ensuring these life-changing programs remain available for children and families for years to come.
“When we learned about the impact Special Love has on children and families facing cancer, we knew we wanted to make a lasting commitment. Working with the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia gave us a way to turn that commitment into a permanent source of support. Establishing an endowment helps ensure that Camp Fantastic and BRASS Camp will continue creating life-changing experiences for children with cancer and their siblings for years to come.” - Christine & David Etue
Throughout the Visitor’s Night, I was struck by the scale of the operation and the community behind it. In attendance were nearly 90 campers, supported by 50 NIH medical professionals, plus staff and volunteers. Many volunteers were former campers themselves, which speaks volumes about the lasting impact of their experiences.
As I enjoyed the variety-style Talent Show put on by the campers, it was clear that this is a place
where children facing cancer can simply be children. The joy, confidence, friendships, and sense of belonging on display throughout the evening were remarkable.
I left with a deeper appreciation for the role that organizations like Special Love play in the lives of children and families navigating cancer. Beyond these memorable summer experiences, they are able to create community and support families during some of life's most challenging moments.
“For more than 40 years, Special Love has given children with cancer and their siblings a place where they can simply be kids, build lasting friendships, and feel understood. The Fantastic Cancer Camp Fund helps ensure that these experiences will be here for generations of families to come. We are incredibly grateful to the donors who established the fund and to the Community Foundation for helping turn their generosity into lasting support.” - Elena Jeannotte, Executive Director of Special Love.
As Director of Donor Relations, I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with community members every day to identify the charitable tools that best support the causes they care about most. Thank you to Elena, for inviting me to see that impact firsthand. We are proud to provide a source of reliable, long-term support for such a remarkable program.
Make More Possible with the Community Foundation
At the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, we help individuals and families turn their charitable values into lasting impact. Through tools like designated endowment funds, donors can provide nonprofits with reliable, long-term support that strengthens organizations and the communities they serve. The Fantastic Cancer Camp Fund is one example of how a well-planned charitable gift can help ensure future generations of campers continue to experience the love, hope, and belonging that make Special Love so special. 
Gaby Webster,
Director of Donor Relations, CFNOVA
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