Survivorship and the After Effects of Being a Childhood Cancer Survivor

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Chris English, a childhood cancer survivor, shares his story about his battle with childhood cancer and shares information about the after effects of cancer and his adult life as a survivor.

Amy Setser speaks about Bumping for Blake in Quad City Times

Why donate to Children's Cancer Connection? Each donor has their own personal reasons. Amy Setser, mother and organizer of Bumping for Blake's Cancer Camp, tells her story to the Quad City Times.

From the article:

"For a long time, I felt like I was taking from these organizations, and we just didn't have the energy to give back," Ms. Setser said. "Now that Blake is approaching the end of his treatment, I wanted to find an organization I could really put my heart behind."
"I picked the Children's Cancer Connection because it promotes the camp that Blake will go to for years to come. This organization promotes healing for the entire family and focuses on the emotions the entire family goes through, not just the child going through treatment."

Holiday Cards are Here!

It’s official! The designs have been picked for our 2010 Holiday Cards and we are ready to sell them to you!

This year, we are excited to be holding our very first unveiling event where you can come see the cards for the first time and meet the child artists! The open house will be held during Girls’ Night in the Village(an event hosted by John Stoddard Cancer Center) from 5-7p.m on September 30 at Simply for Giggles in the East Village. Stop by and have some hot apple cider and cookies while you look.

Cards will be available in retail packs of 24 at the Brass Armadillo, Heart of Iowa Marketplace, Simply for Giggles and The Lagniappe. A mail order form will be available beginning September 15 on our website.

For corporate or imprinted orders, contact Cindy at 515.243.6239 x1107 or by e-mail at Cindy@ChildrensCancerConnection.com

Changes Made to Keep Children's Cancer Connection Strong

As you are well aware, we are facing one of the most difficult economic times in our nation’s history.  Like many companies and organizations, Children's Cancer Connection has also been affected.  In order to ensure that we weather this economic storm and have the ability to maintain our programs for those facing childhood cancer our Board of Directors has chosen to act proactively and has made the hard decision to cut a number of budget items to ensure the strength of this organization.

We have made significant cuts to every expense line item including supplies, equipment, printing and postage and all other areas that we could do without, or delay, until things turn around.  The most noticeable impact of these cuts however, includes a reduction in our staff. 

This week we had to say farewell to our Receptionist – Cheryl Angier.  Cheryl has been the morning voice of the organization for nearly three years. 

We also had to say goodbye to our Director of Programs and Volunteer Services, Brecka Putnam.  Brecka joined us in February of 2008 and has been instrumental in helping us grow our programs.  Brecka brought the first “Survivors of Childhood Cancer” program to Iowa and has been a huge advocate of our family based programs and services.

Brecka asked that we share a note from her –

"Dear friends,

It has been a joy to work with and get to know you over the past few years.  I have learned so much from you, and am amazed by the strength of families touched by childhood cancer and the compassion of the volunteers that serve them.  It is with sadness that I inform you that my position at Children’s Cancer Connection has been eliminated due to financial reasons.  I will miss those of you that I have worked with greatly, but I take comfort in knowing that this decision was necessary to preserve the organization and allow Children’s Cancer Connection to continue providing excellent services for families.  Should you wish to contact me in the future, please don’t hesitate: brecka.putnam@gmail.com. "

We are saddened that we have had to make these deep cuts and that our Children's Cancer Connection family has been affected.  We are dividing responsibilities to ensure that we maintain our current level of programs and services.  We feel very fortunate that we have managed to not have to downsize as long as we have.  Many other organizations were forced to do this early in the economic down turn, and others have had to close their doors. 

Both our Board of Directors and I are committed to do what it takes to ensure that we will be here to meet the needs of every family that needs our services and programs. 

I am available to answer questions and listen to concerns.  Should you want to contact me, I am available by email at Mark@childrenscancerconnection.com or by phone at 515-243-6239 extension 1101. 

Relive the fun times from Siblings Camp 2010!

What a great time everyone had at Siblings Camp 2010! Check out the photos of this years' campers!

Bumping for Blake's Cancer Camp

Upon hearing that her son would be finished with treatment in September, Amy Setser wanted to give back to one of the many organizations that helped them during the 3 ½ year journey. “I wanted it to be an organization that I could really stand behind and get excited about helping,” said Setser, Blake’s mom. After Blake attended the oncology camp this year, Setser knew that Children’s Cancer Connection was the organization that she wanted to support.


Bumping for Blake’s Cancer Camp Volleyball Tournament will be held at Hawkeye Tap in Davenport on Saturday, September 11 starting at 9 a.m. In addition to the double elimination volleyball games that will be held throughout the day, the event will host a water balloon toss, serving challenge, raffle and 50/50 drawings. Of course, there will be fun for the kids as well! The Kids Korner will have face painting, temporary tattoos a water balloon toss and games with prizes.
Team registration is just $120 and you can email bumpingforblake@yahoo.com to register or to obtain more information.

Back to School and Childhood Cancer

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While children with cancer often experience disruptions in their education as they are coming back to school after being diagnosed/treated, there are alot of different valuable resources for parents, children, suvivors and teachers as they go through this process.  View this episode, "Back to School and Childhood Cancer," as a part of Simply Connected brought to you by Children's Cancer Connection, to learn about a few of these resources!