"IT IS THE ONE PLACE WE ARE ACCEPTED AND FEEL NORMAL, AND WE DON'T HAVE TO EXPLAIN WHAT WE HAVE GONE THROUGH TO ANYONE."
Although many children with cancer are cured of their disease, others undergo therapy for years if their cancer returns or does not respond to treatment. Their unique medical and emotional needs often exclude participation in other camps. Having cancer makes a child "different" from their peers. This may make it harder for them to relate to other children and to take on new challenges.
Camp provides the opportunity to make new friends, to gain independence and confidence through mastering a skill... whether that is climbing the wall with everyone cheering them on, or being brave enough to "boogie on the dance floor." The best thing about camp in the words of our campers, "it is the one place we are accepted and feel normal, and we don't have to explain what we have gone through to anyone."
Siblings of children with cancer may feel isolated, abandoned, or stressed by a cancer diagnosis. Oftentimes they are shuttled from friend to friend while parents are at the hospital with their child who has cancer. For siblings, camp is an opportunity to be included, to gain insight into their sibling's diagnosis from another perspective... a peer. They also have the opportunity to develop a support group, feel included, and have their unique psychosocial needs met.
In brief:
Camp builds confidence, self-esteem, and provides a network of support...camp is a very important part of a child's overall treatment.
Children with cancer need specialized medical care available at camp.
Siblings of children with cancer are often isolated because of a cancer diagnosis, leaving them with the need to be included, develop a support network of their own, and be cared for by a staff that understands their unique psychosocial needs.
Parents often do not have the funds for a camp experience after paying treatment costs.
Please help Camp iHope provide a summer camp experience to a child with cancer and their sibling at no cost to their family. All donations are greatly appreciated and help support this effort. Needs include: cash donations, gift cards to stores like Sam's, Costco, Walmart, Amazon, etc. that can be used to purchase specific items needed during camp like bedding, medical supplies, arts and crafts supplies, water, snacks, soft drinks, and clothing for campers.
To enrich the lives of children with cancer and their siblings through a week filled with exciting new adventures in a medically safe, supportive, joyful environment that instills hope and gives every camper the opportunity to grow in independence and self-esteem while creating a lifetime of memories."
Camp iHope is a summer camp experience for children with a cancer diagnosis and a sibling in the North Texas area. Camp iHope is provided at no cost to families. Medical Staff is on site 24/7.
It costs over $1,000 to provide this camp experience to children impacted by cancer. We need Sponsorships for camps that include Summer camp, Leadership camp , and to create a Family camp experience.
We need in kind donations like water, snacks for summer camp.
Camp iHope works to create and implement activities that are inclusive, respectful, and understanding of all cultural perspectives. We treat all individuals with respect and dignity. We integrate inclusiveness and diversity by honoring beliefs, attitudes, language, interpersonal styles and values of individuals.
Organization name
Camp iHope
Causes
Health Care, Youth & Children
Operating Budget
$100,000 - $249,999
Counties Served
Wise, Tarrant, Somervell, Rockwall, Parker, Palo Pinto, Navarro, Montague, Kaufman, Johnson, Hunt, Hood, Grayson, Fannin, Erath, Ellis, Denton, Dallas, Cooke, Collin
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
2024 W 15th St STE F #416