DAVENPORT, Iowa - July 15, 2009 -- Cancer does not only impact the patient. Children, grandchildren, spouses and other loved ones can also be involved in the cancer fight.
Cancer can disrupt families and disrupt their financial situations, making vacations more difficult.
From Aug. 2-Aug. 8, Genesis Health System, Gilda's Club of the Quad Cities and the Scott County Family Y will provide an opportunity for children coping with cancer in their families to enjoy time together at YMCA Camp Abe Lincoln.
Camp Genesis will provide children ages 8-12 with an outstanding resident camp experience with special cancer education programs provided by Gilda's Club and Genesis to help kids better cope with the effects of cancer in their family. The usual $450 camp fee will be donated by Genesis. There will be no charge to campers or their families.
"This camp will provide a much-needed opportunity for kids to just be kids,'' said Sally Werner, Director, Genesis Cancer Care Institute. "This camp will be a relief to parents who may be facing illness and financial concerns because of the illness. They will be able to share the joy and fun their children and grandchildren are having by enjoying an active, safe camp experience. Camp Genesis will provide a unique camp experience specifically designed for children who are dealing with cancer in their families.''
Camp Genesis will provide youth impacted by cancer in their family with a great Y camp experience - from campfires and canoeing to horseback riding and swimming - at Camp Abe Lincoln. Mixed in with the fun will be 30 minutes of support and education each day from the experts at Gilda's Club. The Gilda's Club staff will help campers cope with the new stresses on their families caused by cancer.
New this year will be a Parent Night for camper parents to let them see what their child or children have been doing. There will be a presentation on Parent Night about the services available at Genesis to serve the needs of cancer patients and their families.
The Genesis Cancer Care Institute in Davenport has transformed cancer care in the region with new cancer-fighting technology, renovated facilities and an expanded focus on treating the "whole'' cancer patient and families.
Gilda's Club has an office at the Genesis Cancer Care Institute and offers its special support services throughout the Quad Cities from the Gilda's "clubhouse" at 1234 E. River Drive in Davenport.
"It is especially difficult for children affected by cancer to talk to their family and friends, to express fears, to ask questions, and explore their feelings,'' said Claudia Robinson, CEO of Gilda's Club of the Quad Cities. "Because it is impossible for children to change things that are beyond their control, it is important to help them identify and express what they realistically do control. Camp Genesis will help children learn to overcome obstacles in a fun and enriching environment.''
"Camp Abe Lincoln is the perfect location for our children to forget about their worries and just have fun,'' said Frank Klipsch, President and CEO of Scott County Family Y. "Camp is where children can step outside of their shells and experience something new. YMCA Camp Abe Lincoln was recently voted Best Camp by River City Readers and offers year-round character development programming at its 250-acre site located just outside Buffalo, Iowa. Camp Abe Lincoln has been serving Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois for more than 85 years.
Anyone who knows a child affected by cancer in their family is encouraged to call Gilda's Club Quad Cities at (563) 326-7504 for more information and applications. Information can also be found at www.ScottCountyFamilyY.org or by calling YMCA Camp Abe Lincoln at (563) 381-3053.
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