In this issue
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ACS volunteer impacts the community by promoting Relay

High School Football teams raise $1,000 to benefit Relay For Life

ACS summer camps programs

CPS-3: Making a difference through research

Cancer diagnosis should not equal lifetime of debt

UV Safety Quiz
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Michigan Celebration at the State Capitol

VOICES photo and video contest!

VOICES in the kitchen

ACS summer camps programs: friendship, fun and normalcy
Being a cancer survivor is a challenging journey, especially for those who may not be old enough to cross the street alone, drive a car, or attend their first prom. Each year, the American Cancer Society offers young cancer survivors from Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio a way to take their minds off of treatments, hospital visits, and other cancer-related issues, and simply enjoy themselves by attending Camp Catch-A-Rainbow (CCAR) or the Young Adult Retreat (YAR) this summer.

Camp Catch-A-Rainbow was held June 21-26 in Jackson, Michigan. The camp is designed to provide children ages 7 to 15 the opportunity to relax, have a good time, and enjoy the camp experience through activities paced to meet the needs of kids with cancer. CCAR also offers a special one-day Young Campers Program for children ages four to six who may not enjoy an overnight camp-out, but still want to be part of the fun.

Maddy Brozek has been attending CCAR for five years now. This was her last year. “It’s good to be back, but it’s sad that I have to leave and I can’t come back” said Maddy. “I just love that everybody here feels normal, whether you’re sick or whether you’re not sick…you’re just all equal to everybody. They make it [possible for the campers] to go up on the ropes course and do the tower, you can just do everything.”

Although it’s Maddy’s last year at Camp Catch-A-Rainbow, she’s looking forward to the Young Adult Retreat. The Young Adult Retreat is held July 9-12 in the South Bend, Indiana area. This summer camp program is designed for cancer survivors and patients between the age of 16 and 20. Young adults from Indiana and Michigan get the opportunity to meet and hang out with others who have shared similar experiences. YAR activities include a day trip to Chicago, late-night movies, and plenty of downtime to enjoy their new friends.

Both camp programs are supervised by dedicated medical and non-medical volunteers who participate in all day and evening activities and provide care. Dr. Matt Lovado travels all the way from Alabama to volunteer at CCAR. This year was his 13th summer volunteering. “You really develop a connection with the kids, and staff as well. It [is wonderful] to watch them grow up and you see how much [the camp experience] means to all of them.”

For more information on the Society's summer camping programs, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, contact your local American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.

Young Campers Day

Camp Catch-A-Rainbow

Young Adult Retreat