We help Groups

Strong kids. Strong community.

We are excited to be able to support these meaningful programs and their summer camp programs.  These programs all support kids at risk or children in families fighting cancer.  These organizations offer programs that support our goal of helping kids have normal experiences and stay active in their communities and activities.

Children's Oncology Services, Inc.

 (COSI) believes that a diagnosis of cancer should not prevent a child from experiencing the simple joys of childhood.

Through the magic of childhood experiences, we help kids diagnosed with cancer reclaim their lives. Our programs offer participants:

  • diversion from their illness
  • opportunities for success and control
  • friendship and unconditional acceptance from those who understand
  • information, answers and validation
  • reasons to adopt a positive, "fighting" attitude
  • something to look forward to
  • memories that comfort when times are hard
  • hope for the future

Dr. Edward Baum, a pediatric oncologist at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, founded Children’s Oncology Services, Inc., in 1978. Dr. Baum recognized that the isolation from school, activities and peers was having negative social and developmental consequences for his patients. With the help of friends and colleagues, Dr. Baum created COSI. The first summer, he and 14 volunteers welcomed 40 children with cancer to a life-changing week of hope, strength and support.

Today, COSI continues to be volunteer-driven, relying on more than 350 volunteers (including many former campers) to plan and operate a wide portfolio of camping, recreational and educational programs for children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. From the popular two-week Summer Camp, which now serves nearly 300 children, to skiing excursions and education programs, COSI is a leader in providing empowering and fun experiences to young people facing cancer. http://www.onestepcamp.org/

Gildas Club – Chicago

Gilda's Club Chicago opened our signature red door in 1998. We provide a warm and welcoming meeting place where men, women and children diagnosed with cancer, and family and friends, join with others to build social, emotional and informational support as an essential supplement to medical care. Membership and our program are free of charge. We offer support and networking groups, lectures, workshops and social events in our home-like clubhouse.

Teen Summer Camp

A week-long day camp filled with fun and activities at the Club and in the community. 


Kids Camp

Our kids' camp is filled with a variety of activities that includes crafts, magicians and special guest visits from outside organizations.
www.gildasclubchicago.org/


Hoopster Basketball Camp

The Hoopsters Basketball Camp is a camp for boys and girls grades 1-8. It is a unique camp in the sense that it is a non-profit camp offered at no cost to families feeling financial pressure. (However, based on availability, the camp is open to residents of Lake County, Il for a minimal charge.)  Hoopsters provides quality basketball training from coaches who have played high school and/or college basketball. The camp offers free water bottles and snacks to the children throughout the day and givaways at the end of camp.  Each year entertainment/speakers provide the children with important life lessons and Chicago's very own "Benny the Bull" finishes the week with picture day for our younger campers.
http://www.hoopsters-basketball.com/

oncology

 Matt would have loved this.