Meet Johnny - From first-time snowboarder to seasoned Shining star

When Johnny arrived at the Aspen Winter Games in 2024, he was just 11 years old and one of the youngest participants at camp. As a brain tumor survivor preparing to snowboard for the first time, Johnny was understandably nervous. He was quiet, hesitant, and still finding his place among so many new faces.

Then, a few caring Aspen volunteers noticed that Johnny might benefit from a different roommate pairing. That thoughtful decision introduced him to Marvin, a bright and outgoing young participant from Oklahoma - and something immediately clicked.

Marvin had a special way of bringing Johnny out of his shell. The two boys quickly formed a friendship rooted in laughter and the comfort of being with someone who understood what it was like to face serious medical challenges at a young age. With Marvin by his side and one-on-one adaptive instruction on the mountain, Johnny began to believe in himself.

Throughout the week, Johnny’s confidence grew. He challenged himself, tried something completely new, and discovered that his diagnosis did not define what he could accomplish. By race day, the nervous first-time snowboarder was proudly carving down the mountain with a smile on his face.

But Johnny and Marvin’s friendship didn’t end when Winter Games did.

The boys reunited at the Aspen Summer Adventure in 2025. They were both a little older and a little taller, but their bond was still there. Before each new camp, Johnny’s mom would call and ask, “Is Marvin going to be there?”—knowing that the answer might be just what Johnny needed to feel excited and confident about attending.

Watching their friendship grow over the years has been a beautiful reminder of what camp can do. Shining Stars programs give children the opportunity to experience adventure and discover their own strength, but they also create something equally powerful: lasting friendships between young people who have faced experiences few others their age can fully understand.

We have also had the privilege of getting to know Johnny’s entire family. They attended family camp in 2025 and returned in 2026 for both our summer and winter family camps. At every program, Johnny’s parents and siblings have been right beside him—encouraging his growth, celebrating his accomplishments, and becoming part of the larger Shining Stars community.

Today, Johnny is a budding young man, nearly six feet tall and preparing to enter high school. It is hard to believe that he first came to us as a nervous 11-year-old and the youngest participant at Winter Games. He is now a confident, seasoned member of the Shining Stars family who understands the magic of camp, the power of friendship, and just how much he is capable of achieving.

Johnny’s journey reminds us that the most meaningful moments at camp are not always the biggest or loudest. Sometimes, everything begins with one thoughtful decision, one new roommate, and one friendship that helps a child realize he is never alone.