AnnMarie Moran

My Caregiver Journey and Why Campers for Cancer Matters

My husband Timothy and I live full-time in our RV, working seasonally as bartenders and traveling
during our time off. In August of 2024, at the start of what was supposed to be our vacation, Timothy
became severely fatigued and dizzy. A trip to the ER changed everything. He was admitted
immediately, given a blood transfusion, and then referred to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. Within
days he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) — a dangerous blood cancer requiring
specialized care we couldn’t receive anywhere near home.

While Timothy began chemotherapy, I rushed to Tampa to be by his side. Those first months were
overwhelming. I slept in hospital chairs, on relatives’ couches — anywhere I could. Like so many
Florida families facing blood cancer, we suddenly found ourselves living between hospital rooms and
borrowed spaces, far from the stability and comfort of home.

The nurses on 4 South at Moffitt were a blessing. Their compassion kept us grounded through two
rounds of chemotherapy and constant uncertainty. But even with excellent medical care, the emotional
and logistical strain of being displaced for treatment was enormous.

Things became even more difficult when we learned that our RV — our home — had been destroyed in
a hurricane back in Fort Myers Beach. As I cared for Timothy through biopsies, complications, and
surgeries, I was also sorting insurance claims, salvaging belongings, and trying to figure out where we
would live.

With help from family and friends, we eventually found another RV and secured a campsite in Tampa.
That RV park became our home for nearly a year while Timothy continued intensive outpatient
treatment. Staying close to Moffitt wasn’t optional — it was lifesaving. But finding a safe, affordable
place to stay was one of the hardest parts of our journey.

Over the next 15 months, Timothy faced a blocked bowel, a contained burst appendix, gallbladder
complications, radiation for a secondary cancer, and countless ER visits. Through it all, we persevered
together. Today, I’m grateful to say he is in remission.

But our experience revealed a much bigger need

Families across Florida — from the Keys to the Panhandle — must travel to Moffitt for specialized blood
cancer treatment. Many cannot afford temporary housing for months at a time. Some stay in hotels,
some on couches, and some have nowhere stable to go.
This is why we helped create Campers for Cancer.

Our mission is simple and deeply personal: To provide free RV campsites near Moffitt Cancer Center
so, patients and caregivers have a safe place to retreat, rest, and heal. Close to care, far from stress.
No one should have to worry about where they’ll sleep while they’re fighting for their life.

If sharing our story helps even one family feel seen, supported, or able to stay close enough to receive
the care they need, then our journey has purpose far beyond ourselves.

AnnMarie Moran
Wife and Caregiver