Young cancer victims get chance to attend summer camp
By THOMAS MICHALSKI
Article published on Tuesday, June 24, 2008  |
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| Photo by THOMAS MICHALSKI |
| Above, American Cancer Society Volunteers Tammy Seigler, left, and Carol Hagens check in youngsters heading for camp. |
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PINELLAS COUNTY – Children from across Pinellas County and the state on June 19 left for a very unique summer camp ... for young cancer victims.
Called ROCK, or Reach Out for Cancer Kids, it is open to youngsters from age 7 to 16. The camp features a volunteer medical staff that includes resident pediatric oncologists and nurses.
Camp Boggy Creek is located in Eustis and is the first and only one of its kind in the United States. It is exclusively for children with cancer.
Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, Camp Boggy Creek offers children referred by pediatric oncology centers and doctors the opportunity to enjoy a variety of programs.
“Cancer makes children feel different from others,” said Amanda Gillespie, associate director of Pinellas Unit/Suncoast Area chapter of the American Cancer Society. “Feeling different may be one of the disease’s worst side effects of all.”
Often young cancer victims lose their hair, tire easily and spend long periods of time in hospitals.
A charter bus made stops throughout Central Florida to pick up young cancer patients for a week at camp. At the cancer society’s facility at 4801 86th Ave. in Pinellas Park, children from various parts of the county were packed and ready to go by 11 a.m.
The theme this year was “American Heroes,” so local police and firefighters were on hand to talk about their jobs, demonstrate apparatus and show off police dogs and even a horse.
Not only did the youngsters receive bus transportation to the camp, but blankets and stuffed animals as well. A free lunch, courtesy of a local restaurant, was distributed on the way to the camp.
Once cancer victims pass the age of 17 they can participate in scholarship programs and a family project at Disney World that allows victims and their families to learn from others how to cope with the dreaded disease and its related problems.
The cancer society is always looking for volunteers. On Oct. 25 a program called Making Strides Against Breast Cancer will be held in Pinellas County.
Persons interested in volunteering for that or any other projects are urged to call 546-9822 or 812-7004.
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Article published on Tuesday, June 24, 2008
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