My daughter was diagnosed with leukemia in 2004. That year was the first year that she attended Camp Rising Sun. The first 8 months of chemotherapy was awful and she was in and out of the hospital for treatment. She was in pain from the chemo but they convinced us that she should attend camp because she needed to have fun and a "normal" experience. They kept a very close eye on her and Dr. Joe was there to offer her meds and make sure she rested. When I picked her up later in the week, I couldn't believe the smile I saw. She was a different child. She had a ball and made lifelong friends. My daughter continued to go to camp until she was 18 and wouldn't have missed it for anything. It was the highlight of her year. Camp Rising Sun is an amazing organization and the people who volunteer are equally great.
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- EIN 20-4853548
- info@camprisingsun.com
- (203) 481-7277
- PO BOX 472 Branford CT 06405 USA
- www.camprisingsun.com
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- camprisingsun
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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Camps, Children & Youth, Health, Patient & Family Support, Philanthropy, Sports, Youth Centers & Clubs
Mission: Camp Rising Sun exists so that all who come can have fun, improve familiar skills, learn new skills and develop self-confidence by joining in camp activities in a secure positive place.
Target demographics: Children diagnosed age 5-17 years old and siblings 8-14 years old
Direct beneficiaries per year: 130 Campers Diagnosed with cancer, 65 siblings & over 100 children in the hospital
Geographic areas served: Camp Rising Sun exists to provide a safe, nurturing environment for kids who have faced the diagnosis of cancer so that they may grow and learn from their experiences to become the best they can be
Programs: Camp Rising Sun is a camp for children who have been diagnosed with cancer. Children ages 5 - 17 attend camp free of charge. Our 'Senior Campers' (16- and 17-year-olds) can apply to be part of our "Leader in Training" program. Run by former camper Katie Link, the LIT program is designed to give campers who may want to come back as counselors an opportunity to take on more responsibility, help with younger campers, and plan activities. Camp is staffed by volunteer counselors who give a week of their time, love and energy. We have a pediatric oncologist and six nurses on campus 24-hours a day to tend to medical needs. Camp Rising Sun started with 8 children in its first year and has grown to over 130 campers. 2021 will mark our 38th anniversary!