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survivorship and patient services Opportunities for Young Cancer Survivors A battle with cancer can often exclude children from many activities they would otherwise enjoy. The American Cancer Society Great Lakes Division hosts several camp programs, free to any child, ages 4-20, in Michigan or Indiana. To attend, campers must have had or currently have cancer, as well as receive a doctor’s approval.  Deb Dillingham, director of quality of life for the Great Lakes Division, explained the many programs. "Their cancer isn’t the most important thing in their life for one week. They can just be a kid again and have fun, make memories, laugh and be spoiled rotten by adults who want to be there with them," she said.The programs
Licensed health care professionals are available 24 hours a day. The majority of medical treatments, besides radiation therapy, can be done at the camp or a nearby cancer center. Call the Cancer Control Department of the American Cancer Society at 800-723-0360 to volunteer. Sponsorship by companies and individuals is encouraged in the form of gifts to be used during the week of camp. Young Survivor’s Scholarship Program Additionally, there is a college scholarship program, funded by the Society’s Great Lakes Division Foundation, available to cancer survivors up to age 20. Since 1997, this program has given over 350 first-time scholarships and about 300 renewed scholarships. If awarded the $1,000 scholarship, a student is automatically eligible to renew their scholarship for up to three years. Eligibility requires residency in Michigan or Indiana. The student must be attending or planning to attend a university in Michigan or Indiana as a full time student with 12 or more credit hours. The scholarship is for tuition only. With this program we hope to express the belief of the American Cancer Society that life after cancer is rewarding. The scholarship program also encourages the recipients to become advocates for the American Cancer Society and raise public awareness on cancer related issues. Applications are available to download in January at www.cancer.org/scholarships. The due date is April 17, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. (EDT). | |
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