Kids Cancer Alliance was started in 1981 as a joint effort between a group of volunteers in the Lake Cumberland area and the Kentucky Cancer Program. Their vision was to provide a “normal” camping experience for children with cancer. This was a very novel idea at the time, since there were only five other oncology camps across the country.
During that first summer, 20 campers — including both oncology patients and their siblings — attended camp. The thirty member volunteer staff consisted of doctors and nurses from the University of Kentucky as well as members of the community.
Kids Cancer Alliance continued to grow, and in 1994, was established as an independent registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization under the guidance of the Friends of Indian Summer, Inc. Board of Directors.
In recent years, Kids Cancer Alliance expanded its services to children with cancer and their families and, thus, became Kids Cancer Alliance, Inc. in 2013. Kids Cancer Alliance now proudly offers oncology and sibling camps, teen and family retreats, quarterly events and in-hospital programs, as well as financial support — all completely free to children with cancer and their families.
The mission of Kids Cancer Alliance is to enhance the quality of life for children with cancer and their families through recreational and support programs. Thanks to donors and volunteers, it’s all absolutely free for everyone. All of their programs are designed to achieve their mission of enhancing the quality of life for children with cancer and their families.
Some of their camps and programs include:
- Indian Summer Oncology Camp – A week-long camp lets kids with cancer build friendships and focus on the important things in life – arts and crafts, swimming, hiking and s ‘mores. Nurses, trained volunteers, and a staff doctor are on hand to ensure every camper’s safety. A day camp option allows younger kids to be part of the fun as well.
- Family Retreat Weekend – Vacations aren’t always an option when your child has cancer, but our weekend retreat gives the whole family a chance to relax and return home refreshed.
- Camp-In – Hospital stays can be long, stressful and boring for many kids facing cancer. Kids need an opportunity to just be kids — even in the hospital. The Camp-In program was started with this in mind. Kids love summer camp, but there are times when they are not well enough to attend. So instead of them coming to camp, Kids Cancer Alliance brings camp to them! They set up a tent, make s’mores, play games, do arts and crafts and lots more.
- Meals and More – Good meals are hard to find when you’re in the hospital. But KCA is there to help. The Meals and More program provides a hot meal and goodie bags to both parents and kids. The goal is to bring comfort and smiles to help make their hospital stay more hospitable.
Our $1,000 donation will go towards helping Kids Cancer Alliance continue their mission of enhancing the quality of life for kids with cancer and their families.
All of their programs are provided free of charge so they rely 100% on donations from people like you! Your gift will provide smiles, laughter, and hope to children with cancer. If you would like to help us support this Best Ever Cause, please click the button below.
