CHILDREN’S cancer charity Camp Quality’s fundraising appeal ‘Childhood not Cancerhood’ is calling for support to give childhood back to kids and their families going through the trauma of cancer.
One Perth family knows all too well how harrowing a childhood cancer diagnosis is for the whole family. When eight-month-old Riley was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, family life became consumed with traumatic cancer treatment.
Camp Quality was there to support the family every step of the way. After registering, the family went to Swan Valley for their first family camp.
“Family Camp has meant we could have a break from all the hospital trips and enjoy time as a family to reconnect and find some time for Riley to have some fun and to be a kid. Being able to watch Riley do so many activities she couldn’t do before has been one of the best parts of the camp,” her mother Demi said.
Camp Quality programs bring positivity, fun and laughter back into the lives of almost 13,000 kids facing theirs or a cancer diagnosis in the family and kids whose worlds have been turned upside down by cancer.
“It’s really nice to be around families that understand, even the simple things like the importance of hygiene and not attending events when you are sick. Riley has bounced back and thanks to Camp Quality we have been able to keep some happiness through this troubling time,” Demi said.
Camp Quality chief executive officer, Deborah Thomas said donations make a lasting difference.
“When you donate to Camp Quality, the positive impact you have on kids facing cancer is real, measurable and significant. We give families the chance to reconnect on our Family Getaways, kids the opportunity to just be kids on our camps, and families the opportunity to create new memories on our Family Fun Days.”
“Our fundraising appeal is an opportunity for everyday Australians to support kids and families going through their darkest days. Funds raised will go towards helping families like Riley’s, access our free supportive programs and give them a break from the trauma of a cancer diagnosis,” Ms Thomas said.