"This is my favorite week of the year," said Weaver, 23, who was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia at age 4. "I love the combination of hanging out and seeing old friends come back ... I love seeing everybody grow up."

Camp 'Anuenue, a weeklong camp for kids age 7 to 17 with cancer, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this week, with a reunion of campers and staffers tomorrow at Camp Mokule'ia.

The camp, run by about 50 volunteers, is free to the more than 50 kids who attend every summer.

It may be coincidence that the anniversary of the camp, a program of the American Cancer Society, occurs in the same month as National Cancer Survivors Day, held on June 5.

But the connection is there.

Former campers — survivors — often return as counselors, staffers or just examples of hope.

Weaver falls into all of those categories.

Every year since 1990 — except for one — he has attended camp in some form, either as a participant or volunteer.

With his cancer in remission, Weaver is an inspiration.

Not only is he among the more than 10 million Americans who have survived cancer, he's living proof that life can go on, that there are better times ahead.

Camp 'Anuenue gave him that support system — and hope.

"It was the first time I could meet other people with similar experiences and backgrounds," said Weaver, who graduated this year from Notre Dame with a degree in architecture. "It's nice to come to camp now and be one of the survivors."

More than one million people get cancer each year, according to the American Cancer Society. Currently, there are about 10.1 million Americans living with a history of the disease.

Cancer can be disruptful, particularly for kids who often can't do the same things other kids without cancer can. Like go to overnight summer camps.

But Camp 'Anuenue, with at least a doctor or nurse on-site all week, gives them that opportunity.

Here, they're just kids — not kids with cancer.

"This is a summer camp, we try to not talk about the heavy issues," said camp director Debra Glowik. "The focus is, basically, on doing, growing, living, making friendships and having fun."

They paddle canoes, hang out in the pool, snorkel and kayak. They make kites and go cosmic bowling. There's a talent show, casino night and end-of-camp dance, with makeovers by Paul Brown stylists.

"It's such a special week for these children," Glowik said. "Some may not come back, so we go all out. Every day is special ... We're here to make this the best (week) they've ever had."

No long discussions about cancer or treatments or coping skills.

This is one week in their lives they can forget — at least a little — about their daily struggles with cancer.

"We try to give them that normal environment as much as possible," said Carol Kotsubo, clinical nurse specialist in pediatric oncology and volunteer at the camp since its inception. "We want them to get away from thinking about cancer and being different. Once you get cancer you're different from everybody else. But not here. They're totally accepted."

These kids leave camp renewed, armed with self-confidence and a long list of new friends, all of whom can relate.

"The biggest thing is for these children who are struggling with the same illness and going through the same treatments to come together at this camp," said Linda Roberts, who directed the camp 20 years ago. "It's just an incredible time for them."