"Fore the Kids" benefiting Children's Cancer Connection

The Tom Best Memorial and The Young Open joined forces on July 4th at Toad Valley Golf Course in Pleasant Hill, IA to present, “Fore the Kids". The event included a 4-man best shot golf tournament, luncheon, and post-tournament festivities.

The golf outing had a great showing of 21 foursomes! Children's Cancer Connection would like to thank everyone who participated in the golf outing and especially those who planned the event.

The McAlexander family, a family who has used Children's Cancer Connection's programs and services, were the guests of honor at "Fore the Kids." The McAlexander's (who are pictured at the right) told their compelling story about their son being diagnosed with cancer. They informed all attendees what Children's Cancer Connection has done for their family.

To both The Tom Best Memorial and the Young Open, there was no better way to honor their friends and relatives than to join together to transform the annual get-togethers into a charitable endeavor benefiting the Children’s Cancer Connection.

Dog Affected by Cancer Visits Camp

On Monday June 14, Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue paired up with Children’s Cancer Connection and brought in a special dog that knew all about cancer to Camp Heart Connection’s Oncology Camp in Boone, Iowa.


Joe, a man from the Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue, brought Bear, a rescued dog who has battled cancer and undergone chemotherapy treatment, to Camp Heart Connection as a part of the “Everyday Heroes” program. Joe visited with 170 campers who have been affected by childhood cancer about Bear’s experience with cancer and about the Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue.

Joe shared with the children that Bear’s journey with cancer inspired him. Joe talked to the children about Bear taking medicine, going through treatments, and staying positive, which the children related with well.

“I hope that the kids can look to Bear as another source of inspiration for them,” said Meridith Sayler, Logistics Director at Camp Heart Connection. “Joe made sure to emphasize that he didn’t think that he was a hero at Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, but he insisted that it was Bear that has the hero qualities of being a great friend and a fighter.”

The smiles and laughter coming from the children as they played with Bear and learned about his experience made it evident to all around that Bear helped the children relate their battles with cancer to others who (even animals) face the similar things on a daily basis.

“Joe and Bear brought such joy with them to camp,” said Sayler. “To see all of the smiling faces of our kids as they got unlimited hugs and kisses from Bear was great. At Children’s Cancer Connection we regard both Bear and everyone at Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary and Rescue as our heroes.”

Quilting for a Cause: Ankeny Area Quilter's Guild Makes a Donation

After over 150 pillowcases, Louise Whitlow (pictured below on the left), is still sewing away with the help of the Ankeny Area Quilter’s Guild. Whitlow and the guild have been making pillowcases for Camp Heart Connection’s Oncology and Sibling Camps for the summer of 2010.

“We have a family member with leukemia and she got to know the kids in the chemo room and I thought it would be good to give them to the camp after talking to Brecka,” said Whitlow. ” I am Vice President of the Guild and the VP picks a project for the year. I came up with the pillowcases because of my family member when we were trying to perk her room up at the hospital.”

It takes about 20-30 minutes to make each pillowcase depending on the skill of each member.  The pillowcases begin by cutting up all the fabric into patterns and then making them into kits that can be sewn at a later time.

“I have one sewing group that has done at least 1,400,” said Whitlow. “They get an assembly line going and it is fun to watch them go.”

The Ankeny Area Quilter’s Guild has made and donated 1,600 pillowcases since last September to places such as Children’s Cancer Connection, Blank Children’s Hospital, Methodist Oncology Center, Mercy Hospital, nursing homes, hospices, and the Mentor Iowa. Once they are done with the pillowcases for Children’s Cancer Connection they will pick a new project and continue sewing away for other great causes.

Children’s Cancer Connection would like to thank the Ankeny Area Quilter’s Guild for their generous donation! For more information about the Ankeny Area Quilter’s Guild, visit their website by clicking here. 

A Donation With Style

In celebration of Maurices' one year anniversary in the Coral Ridge Mall in Iowa City, IA, the store had staff members nominate several charities and then had their customers and friends vote on the most deserving. Children's Cancer Connection won and they presented us with a check for $500! We'd like to thank Maurices for their donation to us in support of children and families affected by childhood cancer. Their donation and support is greatly appreciated!

Pictured above:  Sherri Healy, Maggie Jones, Dani Boulton, Maurices' store manager, and Tiffany Spinner, Children's Cancer Connection's Director of Donor Relations.

Friday, June 18 - Camp Heart Connection

The morning was slow as we battled having thunderstorms, but the campers and staff were busy playing games, cards, taking naps and doing “make overs” to pass the time in their cabins. After lunch the sun came out and the day became warm!

Immediately following lunch, Brecka, the Camp Director, got pied in the face because she received the most coins during the Coin Drive this week. This afternoon is packed with fun activities for the last afternoon at camp such as tie dying, rifelry, the water fight and another “Everyday Heroes” session – the Police Chief from Huxley is coming to show the campers what he does everyday.

Tonight we will have last round of s’mores, there will be Circle Awards, where each camper will receive an award from the cabins around them, we’ll have a special program for the graduating seniors and LIT graduates, a slide show of pictures from the week, Wish Night, and even fireworks!

It has been a great week at Camp Heart Connection, but it’s almost time to end the week. Thanks to our presenting sponsor, the University of Iowa Dance Marathon, and other gracious donors and volunteers, this week has been a blast! 

Thursday, June 17 - Camp Heart Connection

Here are a few things that happened today: sand volleyball tournament, swimming at the pool, horseback riding, rock wall climbing, Superhero Party - for the boys, the fire truck from Boone came as a part of the "Everyday Heroes" program, and the all-camp dance. 

 

Wednesday, June 16 - Camp Heart Connection

Hello, gorgeous weather! We are finally seeing the sun in the sky here at Camp Heart Connection. We couldn’t have asked for a nicer day! All of the outdoor activities, as well as the pool, are busy today filled with energetic campers.

The annual Princess Party is this afternoon and the girls couldn’t be more excited to dress up for the event! Each year old prom dresses are donated for the girls to wear to the Princess Party. This event is filled with little Debbie snacks, punch, fingernail painting, getting make-up or hair done and just having some plain ‘ole girl fun! The ladies are escorted down to Chase, where the party is held, on the arm of an older male counselor or LIT (Leader in Training). This event will bring big smiles and lots of sparkles to the afternoon!

We’ve already seen some awesome dance moves and heard some musical talent, but tonight is the night for the campers to show off a little more! The talent show was a blast with everything from the History of America to Lady Gaga.

This evening the all-camp activity is meeting the infamous Aunt Fifi! Aunt Fifi is the good witch that protects Camp Heart Connection. Aunt Fifi leaves notes treats for cabins who are good, helpful or who are keeping their cabins nice and neat! The campers will head out into the woods and Aunt Fifi will appear and talk about each cabin and how the week is going.