Welcome to Sunrise Magic Makers, the official podcast of Sunrise Association. In each episode, we sit down with the people who make the magic happen — from dedicated volunteers and visionary leaders to Sunrise alumni, campers, staff, and supporters — to explore the heart, hustle, and hope behind our mission: bringing back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings, always free of charge. 

Episode Summary: 

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Hina Zahid, a Sunrise alumna who began her journey as a camper in 2012 and now serves as the Rangers Unit Head. Diagnosed with a brain tumor at just 18 months old, Hina shares her powerful story of resilience, recovery, and the unmatched joy of finding community at Sunrise. From being a hesitant newcomer on the bus to becoming a beloved blue shirt and future educator, Hina reflects on the moments of connection, growth, and transformation that shaped her life — and continue to shape the lives of so many campers today. 

Topics Covered: 

• Hina’s early cancer diagnosis and how Sunrise came into her life 
• Her first summer at camp and the unforgettable welcome she received 
• Navigating friendship and identity as a child with cancer 
• The magic of being “just another kid” at Sunrise 
• What kept her coming back: camp as her first home 
• How being a camper shaped her desire to work with children 
• Full-circle moments: Watching her own campers grow over the years 
• The sibling experience and the power of inclusion at Sunrise 
• How Sunrise inspired her to pursue a career in education 
• A magical story of watching a once-nonverbal camper find his voice 

Links & Resources: 

• Commit to $20/month for 20 months and become a Magic Maker for children impacted by pediatric cancer → https://sunriseassociation.org/20-summers