Camp UOTS Hosts Third Annual Thrive Fest

The nonprofit's wellness event drew nearly 300 people to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Health and Wellness

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a young green sapling growing from a cracked stone planter against soft blurred palm fronds in warm tropical light. — Camp UOTS hosted its third annual Thrive Fest on Sunday at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables, drawing nearly 300 people to wellness workshops. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Camp UOTS, a nonprofit providing free opportunities to pediatric cancer survivors and their supporters, hosted its third annual Thrive Fest at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables on Sunday. Nearly 300 people attended the event, which featured empowerment and wellness workshops.

Why it matters

Finishing cancer treatment can bring a new set of challenges to children and families. The event focused on helping attendees rebuild after treatment ends.

Nearly 300 people attended the third annual Thrive Fest, the event's third year. No prior-year attendance was reported for comparison, and the event's long-term impact on participants was not measured.

The players

Camp UOTS

Camp UOTS is a nonprofit organization that provides free programming to pediatric cancer survivors and their supporters.

Elissa Kalver

Elissa Kalver is a cancer survivor who delivered the keynote address at the event.

The details

The event was held at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and included workshops focused on empowerment and wellness. Cancer survivor Elissa Kalver delivered a keynote address on rebuilding after treatment.

- The Thrive Fest was held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, during a weekend event series.

Health Landscape

Post-treatment support programs for pediatric cancer survivors address a phase of care that often receives less attention than active treatment. Events like Thrive Fest reflect growing attention to long-term recovery for young patients and their families.

Families of children who have finished cancer treatment may find survivorship programs like Thrive Fest useful for support and rebuilding routines. Free access to workshops lowers the cost barrier for participation.

The takeaway

Recovery after cancer treatment involves its own challenges, and community-based programs can help survivors and families address them. Attending or seeking out similar support events may help families navigate life after treatment.