Joy's Easterseals Camp Story

For Joy Marshall, Camp Easterseals is a place where she discovered her independence, built lifelong friendships, and learned that her possibilities were limitless.

For 25 consecutive summers, Joy returned to a place where she felt truly loved, accepted, and empowered to be herself. From the thrill of soaring down the zipline to the everyday moments spent connecting with her camp family, each summer brought new adventures, meaningful friendships, and opportunities to grow.

But the lessons Joy learned at camp extended far beyond the summer months. Through the encouragement of counselors and fellow campers, she developed the confidence to advocate for herself, navigate challenges, and embrace new experiences. Those skills helped shape the remarkable life she leads today—from living independently in college and earning her degree in Communications to building a career, learning to drive with hand controls, and marrying her husband, Corey.

What makes Camp Easterseals so special to Joy is the feeling of belonging. At camp, her disability doesn't define her. Instead, she is surrounded by a community that celebrates who she is, encourages her to try new things, and reminds her that she is capable of achieving her dreams.

Now, Joy hopes others will have the opportunity to experience that same sense of freedom, friendship, and possibility. She shares a heartfelt message of gratitude to the donors whose generosity makes camp scholarships possible, opening doors for children and adults with disabilities to discover their own strengths and create memories that last a lifetime.