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Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation866 333-1213
Andre Sobel River of Life Foundation310 276-7111
Bay Kids1007 General Kennedy Avenue, Box 10 BayKids' roots took hold in 1995 when founder Dave Spencer started a community outreach program for the San Francisco Giants. Inspired by the program's success in helping children, Dave founded BayKids in 1997 with the goal of offering new and innovative ways to empower children through self-expression. Initially, BayKids developed cutting-edge multimedia programs to teach kids how to create websites, animated shorts, narrative films, documentaries, music and art. Today, BayKids has evolved to focus its multimedia expertise on serving children in the Bay Area facing medical challenges.
Beyond the Cure 800 5-FAMILY
Brave Kidswww.bravekids.orgFind medical information and resources for children with cancer. Brave Kids provides parents and children with information on health services, financial assistance, support groups, child care, dental assistance, camps, transportation, physical therapy, to name a few. Brian Morden Foundation 800 997-7278
Camp Discovery 847 240-1737
Camp Kesem - Stanford UniversityPO Box 20526Stanford, California 94309 650 723-1603 Camp for children ages 6-13 who have or had a parent with cancer. Provides opportunity to develop friendships with peers facing similar challenges, to gain the tools to cope with their parent’s illness or death, and to build self-esteem. Camp sessions are one week long and are free for the families involved. Camp Mak-a-Dream 406 549-5987
Camp Okizu 16 Digital Drive, Suite 130 Okizu is committed to the continuing support of the childhood cancer community through its Oncology and Siblings camping programs, Family weekends, Bereavement programs, and Teen and Young Adult programs. These programs are the result of a collaborative effort of Okizu and the pediatric oncology treatment centers in northern California. The mission of Okizu is to provide peer support, respite, mentoring, and recreational programs to meet the needs of all members of families affected by childhood cancer. Okizu is committed to the continuing support of the Oncology, Siblings, Family, Bereavement, and TNT programs. These programs are the result of a collaborative effort of the foundation and the pediatric oncology treatment centers in northern California. The specific purpose of this corporation is to operate peer support programs for children and families affected by childhood cancer, many of which are based on the community-forming nature of a residential camp experience. Children who are diagnosed with cancer miss a normal childhood. Their illness, treatment and complications can keep them from enjoying activities that often are taken for granted. And yet these children, like all children, need the opportunity to grow, experiment, and discover independence. Camp Okizu began with the belief that a residential camp can be an ideal setting for children struggling with a life threatening illness to explore and enjoy a normal life experience, while interacting with others who truly understand their illness.We quickly learned that all family members, including the ill child, parents, and siblings, are impacted in powerful and unique ways by childhood cancer. The opportunity for interactions with true peers and the strong sense of community fostered by a residential camp environment provide valuable emotional and practical support for continuing the cancer journey, while also allowing everyone to take a huge break from their routine and have a great time. Family support program for children with cancer and their families. Offers week-long summer programs for patients and their siblings ages 6-17 as well as additional family retreat weekends for families with children of all ages, as well as teen and young adult programs. Camp Programs & Calendar
Oncology CampWeek-long camps for kids who have cancer.Since 1982, more than 3,000 children with cancer have experienced the thrill of summer camp at Camp Okizu. Camp is the bright light in the lives of these children. Courage and hope are plentiful and friends abound. At camp, the children rediscover that they are children and not just cancer patients. A camping experience is invaluable to children undergoing and recovering from cancer treatments. Camp is the only place other than the hospital where these children can meet other kids who have lost their hair during chemotherapy, had to face a limb amputation or suffered a relapse after months or years off treatment. For many, it is the happy memories of camp and the anticipation of next year that help them through their painful treatments and diagnostic procedures. It makes a real difference in a child’s ability to cope with his or her disease. The resident camp program allows the campers to experience fun, adventure, independence, camaraderie and learning in an outdoor setting which become life-long memories. The planning of activities is done by the campers in their cabin group under the guidance of a trained counselor. The camp program is open to both boys and girls, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap. Expert medical supervision is provided by the pediatric oncology departments, social workers and recreation therapists from the participating hospitals. All prescription medications (oral, inhaled, inject and intravenous) are administered at camp as needed, on schedule, by licensed nurses and physicians. Camp Okizu is located at Berry Creek, California, 70 miles north of Sacramento. Children sleep on platforms with bed frames and mattresses and store their belongings in an adjacent cabin. Well balanced, nutritious meals are served by qualified kitchen staff in the lodge. Healthy snacks are available throughout the day. Bathroom facilities include hot showers and flush toilets. Air-conditioned buses provide transportation to camp from Palo Alto, Oakland, Sacramento and the Fairfield area. You may also drive your child to camp. There is no charge to send your child to camp. The camping experiences are made possible through the financial support of foundations, community organizations and individuals. Children Are Eligible If They…
Siblings (SIBS) CampWeek-long camps for brothers and sisters of kids who have cancer. Recognizing that childhood cancer affects the entire family, Okizu provides a camp for the siblings of a child with cancer. SIBS (Special and Important Brothers and Sisters) Camp meets the often neglected needs that healthy children can have during their sibling’s treatment.One of only a few such camps in the United States, SIBS Camp allows these siblings to feel valued and gives them the opportunity to learn they are not the only ones coping with the difficult emotions that accompany having a sibling with cancer. While at camp, the children are in a trusting environment where they can share their feelings and gain support from other campers and the staff. Children are Eligible for SIBS Camp if they
Family CampWeekend camps for the entire family.Family Camp is an experience designed to give families a few days of support, fun and relaxation. It is a chance to “get away” for a few days with families who share similar experiences. Attending Family Camp will also give families an opportunity to hear more about Oncology and Siblings Camps. One of the most important aspects of Family Camp is the support and camaraderie gained by each parent. Here they are able to meet other families and discover how they have coped with the disease and how they have returned to a normal family again. Many families have expressed how invaluable the camp is and how they consider it the highlight of their year. There are many new and lasting friendships made during these weekends. Medical staff from various hospitals will be on site during Family Camp. Meals are planned and prepared by a qualified cook and served family style, so there is no need to worry about cooking! Healthy snacks are served during the morning and afternoon each day. The camp begins with dinner Friday night. The bereaved family camp is for families who have lost a child to cancer. The programming and discussion groups will be geared specifically for these families. Bereaved families are not limited to this camp and are welcome to sign up for whichever weekend fits their schedule or their comfort level. Family Camp is limited to the patient and their immediate family (Mother, Father, Siblings). All ages are welcome to attend. We are unable to accommodate grandparents, aunts, uncles or other family members.
April 16 - April 18 (additional brain tumor resources)Weekend recreation and support programs for older patients and their siblings. Several times each year, weekend recreation and support programs are provided for 18-25 year old patients and siblings. These Teens n’ Twenties (TNT) weekends provide teenagers and young adults with an ongoing opportunity to strengthen their friendships and give and receive support from their peers. For more information or to sign up for TNT, email Beth Dekker at beth@okizu.org.
April 23 - April 25: Spring Time Fun at Camp Okizu Bereavement ProgramsWeekend camps for bereaved teens and bereaved families. Nothing can compensate for the suffering a family endures when a child is diagnosed with cancer. Each family member has his or her own unique struggle. When the child with cancer dies, the burden on family members can seem overwhelming. At Okizu, we try to ease that burden a little. We create a space and a time where it is safe for families to cry, to laugh, to tell stories, to remember a loved one, and to allow thremselves to have fun. One of our core beliefs is that peer support, or coming together with others who share a common experience, is among the most meaningful kinds of support for people coping with cancer. For families that have lost a child, it can have a tremendously positive effect. The anxiety about what to say to people is instantly lessened, because there is no need to worry that others will be surprised, or shocked, or uncomfortable. The feeling of isolation that many families describe is also quickly diminished, merely by looking around at the group and knowing that everyone shares the experience of loss. It is always a little easier to bear a burden that is shared with others than to bear it alone. In the community of shared experience that is Okizu, family members can tell their stories, difficult at first, but made a little easier by the understanding and support instinctive to this special group. They can grieve for their child or sibling, and also celebrate the life that brought such joy, even if for only a short time. Bereaved Family Camps Camp Okizu offers a chance to get away for a weekend as a family, for a few days of fun, relaxation and support. There are traditional camp activities that family members can enjoy while sharing the camp with other families in a similar situation. Additionally, there is some “parents only” time (while our volunteers supervise the children in a variety of fun and exciting activities) and many group activities as well. Arts and crafts projects that create a “memorial” object are available, as well as a candlelight closing ceremony where each person is afforded the opportunity to share some thoughts. All activities at camp are optional, so families can pick and choose the ones that best meet their needs and wants.
April 30 - May 2 Bereaved Teen Camps In their everyday lives it is so rare for a teenager to meet another teenager who has lost a sibling to cancer. This feeling of being “different” from their friends and classmates can make teens particularly vulnerable to peer pressures and social isolation. The opportunity to bond with a group in their own age range who share the experience of losing a brother or sister to cancer can be extremely healing and is described by the kids themselves as “priceless”. Camp Okizu offers to these teens the chance to get away for a weekend with kids their own age who understand what they are going through. They participate in lots of fun activities such as swimming, boating, sport and games, fishing, and high ropes climbing, and they have the opportunity to just hang out. Additionally, participants have the chance to share their stories with other teens who understand and can relate to their feelings, their fears, their hopes and dreams.
Camp Tawonga San Francisco Bay Area 415 543-2267 www.tawonga.org/weekendfamily.html “Grief and Growing” is a healing weekend for bereaved individuals and families, once a year, usually in May. Through creative play, discussions, ritual, and the healing power of nature, the program is designed to create a safe place to explore feelings and concerns with a sympathetic and supportive community. Open to all although the program includes some Jewish practices. CancerCare, Inc800 813-4673212 712-8400 www.cancercare.org A national nonprofit organization that provides free professional support services to anyone affected by cancer --- the people with cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones, and the bereaved. CancerCare programs, including counseling, education, financial assistance, and practical help, are provided by trained oncology social workers free of charge. Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation800 366-2223301 962-3520 www.candlelighters.org CCCF is a nonprofit organization that provides information, peer support, and advocacy through publications, an information clearinghouse, and a network of local support groups. CCCF maintains a list of organizations to which eligible families may apply for financial assistance. Childhood Cancer Research Coalition919 821-2182www.nationalcancercoalition.org The Angel Grants program provides seed funding to scientists who are developing innovative treatments for children suffering with cancer. Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation866 228-4673212 448-9494 www.cbtf.org CBTF is a nonprofit organization that funds research and provides support, education, and advocacy for children with brain and spinal cord tumors. Provides free publication A Resource Gide for Parents of Children with Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors. Sponsors conferences about research, treatments, and strategies for living. Other offerings include newsletters, annual teleconferences, a parent-to-parent network, and children’s programs. Full-time pediatric oncology social worker available to assist families. Publications are available in Spanish.
Children’s Cause for Cancer Advocacy 301 562-2765
Children’s Hospice International 800 242-4453 toll-free
Children’s Oncology Camps of America 515 491-4999
Children’s Organ Transplant Association 800 366-2682 toll-free
Children’s Treehouse Foundation 303 322-1202
Chinatown Public Health Center 1490 Mason Street, San Francisco 94133
Coalition Against Breast Cancer Survivorship Program 800 430-7761 toll-free
Cops Care Cancer Foundation 408 264-2223
Corstone (formerly Center for Attitudinal Healing33 Buchanan DriveSausalito, California 94965 415 331-6161 www.atttitudinalhealing.org Provides free emotional and spiritual support services to children, adults, elders, and families dealing with illness and loss. CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation 800 458-6223 toll-free
Gilda’s Club Worldwide 888 445-3248 toll-free
Hole in the Wall Gang Camp www.holeinthewall.org
Hope Street Kids www.hopestreetkids.org
Jewish Family & Children’s Agencies 600 5th Avenue, San Rafael 94901
KidsAid.com www.kidsaid.com
KidsCope 404 892-1437
Kids Konnected 800 582-5443 toll free
Locks of Love 561 963-1677
Make-a-Wish Foundation of America 800 722-9474 toll-free
Making Headway Foundation Inc. 914 238-8384
Mommy’s Light 610 725-9790
Mothers’ Living Stories Project 2011 Cedar Street, Berkeley 94709
National Children’s Cancer Society 314 241-1600
National Children’s Leukemia Foundation 800 448-3467 toll-free
Outlook – Life Beyond Childhood Cancer www.outlook-life.org
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation 800 253-6530 toll-free
Ronald McDonald House Charities 630 623-7048
Rx Help for Californians 877 777-7815
St. Baldrick's Foundation888 899-BALD
Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation 800 315-2580 toll-free
SuperSibs! 866 444-7427 toll-free
The Wellness Community 202 659-9709
We Can Pediatric Brain Tumor Network 310 739-3433
Wigs for Kids 440 333-4433
The information in this web database has been offered by the organizations themselves. If you find any information that is not current or correct, please contact Nancy. If there are organizations that are not listed here that you feel would be helpful to others, we welcome your suggestions. Nancy’s List provides this listing of resources for educational purposes only and is not responsible for the information provided by the organizations. For medical questions, please consult your physician. We will not be liable for any complications, injuries, or other medical accidents arising from, or in connection with, the use of, or the reliance upon, any information from the organizations listed on this website.
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