Campbell was an adorable young girl who lost her battle with cancer a year ago. Although I did not have the honor of knowing her, I do have the privilege of knowing her two wonderful sisters. I dance at my studio with both Caitlin and Caroline. Caitlin was especially there for me when I was grieving.
Although Campbell left this world too early, she left this world with an impact bigger than herself. She left an impact on Harry Styles after he came to her house to meet her and made Campbell’s dream come true. Styles even tweeted, “Campbell Hoyt, I am thinking of you and sending you all the love in the world. That's a lot of love. H.” For a man so famous to reach out to a girl, you must know this girl was beyond special. After she passed away he tweeted “My thoughts are with the family and friends.#RIPCampbellHoyt.” On August 22nd, 2014 the hashtag “RIPCambellHoyt” was the top worldwide hashtag. That’s a lot of love.
After the Hoyts endured a horrible loss, they stayed positive by founding a foundation called “The Team Campbell Foundation.” “The mission of TCF is to improve the lives of families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis through hosting awareness campaigns, funding research and providing psycho-social enrichment opportunities. Although Campbell herself was sick, she never stopped wanting to help other kids fighting cancer, and always wanted to find a cure. It is in continuing Cam's wishes that they have formed the Team Campbell Foundation.
Something the Hoyt’s did to raise awareness for childhood cancer was having a “Gold Out” football game. Because gold is the color for Anaplastic Ependymoma, people who attended the Bernards High School football game were encouraged to wear gold. They also sell shirts that say “Kicking Cancer for Cam.” In addition, last year, the school where Campbell’s sister attends, hosted a fundraiser to purchase books and donate blankets to provide a child sitting in an oncology clinic with a super soft, cuddly blanket and a book to read”(Team Campbell Foundation).
Two years ago Cam petitioned for a bench at the playground to be built in order for a child to have a seat with a classmate when he or she is feeling sad or lonely. This brilliant idea was approved later in the school year. Behind the bench, pinwheels were placed for each day Cam fought cancer. The 1,827 pinwheels remained in “Cam’s Garden” for eight days. Each day represented a year that she celebrated life.
Another thing that Caitlin Hoyt did to honor her sister was singing a song about her at her chorus concert. Caitlin's friend, Julia Mustaro wrote the song by compiling quotes that Caitlin had said to her and turning them into lyrics. One of the lyrics include “I remember you are still everywhere to me because I see you in the sun and that stars that shine when I’m feeling lonely I can feel your hand in mine.” Caitlin performed this song with Campbell’s cousin and one of Caitlin’s close friends at the chorus concert. Following their solos, the Bernards High School choir sang the rest of the song.
The world lost a happy, adorable, strong and loving child. The world gained a foundation, awareness, and strength.
