Hollie Moffat, Clodagh Cooke, and Molly Swan couldn't wait to experience two things when they came from Northern Ireland to America: Lucky Charms cereal and the Big Boy statue. These were just a few of the many American icons the young international cancer survivors anticipated before their trip to the United States to attend the American Cancer Society and YMCA's World Oncology Camp (WOC) this year.

After spending a week at WOC in Jackson, Michigan playing games, boating, "blobbing", and conquering the high ropes course, the 47 international campers departed for a one-week home stay to experience life with an American family.

Joanie Mack, who was a host parent for WOC this year, had the opportunity to host the three young cancer survivors from Northern Ireland. As a first time host, Joanie compiled a list of every "American" activity she could think of before the arrival of her young guests, hoping to share with them every typical American tradition and experience.

Visiting the Detroit Zoo, getting manicures, and attending the River Day Festival in Downtown Detroit were just a few of the countless activities that kept them busy during their stay. In addition to Joanie's planned activities, the young guests also treated their host family to a unique Irish talent show complete with an emcee, tin whistle, and Irish dancing.

"Being able to share our everyday lives with these girls was such a wonderful experience," said Joanie. "These beautiful young ladies really opened up and by the end of the trip we felt like family." The American swimming pools and shopping malls were a whole new experience to the girls, who had never seen a shopping mall with so many stores and often giggled at the cultural differences in vocabulary.

Tracie Stewart, who works for the American Cancer Society, hosted a young boy named Prince from Ghana. During his stay, they went bowling and out to pizza, played yard games, experienced a traditional American cookout, and visited a local amusement park. Prince shared with the Stewart family that coming to America is only a dream for most people in his country, and he really wished he could stay. He also said the people were his favorite part about being in America, and that WOC gave him memories to last a lifetime.

For many of the host families, the experience of hosting a child offered even more than they had anticipated and it was difficult to say goodbye.

Over 21 years ago, a relative of Joanie Mack passed away from Wilms' tumor at the age of six. Today, the overall 5-year survival rate for children with this disease is more than 90 percent. Molly Swan, who is 12 years old and a survivor of this disease, is living proof that progress is being made and that the programs, research, education, and advocacy efforts of the American Cancer Society are making a difference. For more information on any of the American Cancer Society's Summer Camping programs, contact your local American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.

Pictured: Molly, Joanie, Joanie's niece Kaitlyn, Clodagh, and Hollie pose with the Big Boy statue (above right); Prince plays a game of ladder ball during a cookout (above left)