Nestled alongside the shores of beautiful Sebago Lake, Camp Sunshine provides respite, support, joy and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate families through various stages of a child’s illness. The year-round program is free of charge to all families, and includes 24-hour onsite medical and psychosocial support. Bereavement groups are also offered for families who have lost a child to an illness.
Lakeville's own Lexie Williams is a frequenter at Camp Sunshine. The 11 year old swimmer of The Freetown Lakeville Warriors Swim Team has been struggling for her own survival of a brain tumor since infancy and relys heavily on her time to renew her tired spirit at Camp. She describes it as "heaven on earth, ... my special retreat to unwind and reconnect with other kids my own age struggling with similar diseases."
After having volunteered at Camp myself the past two summers, I fully understand why she refers to it as "heaven on earth". Unconditional love and support emmanate around every corner. It is a place where crying is accepted, laughter is appreciated and bonds are forever created and transformed into extended family. It is also a haven hidden away from chemotherapy, needles and endless appointments where children and their families can enjoy the piece of normalcy at hand. On January 24th at 8 PM, on Nickelodeon, Lexie is being featured on the Nick News with Linda Ellerbe with several other kids who are also living with cancer...the show was taped at camp sunshine and should portray exactly what a day at camp feels like.
As of late, there is more need for brain tumor programming at camp than ever before as the pediatric cancer statistics rise! And...those statistics are....
Since January 1st 2010 , 252 children have been diagnosed with some type of cancer . Since January 1st , 44 have died from some type of cancer . By the end of the year , 12,500 will be diagnosed and 2,300 will die. How many of these children could have been researchers? How many of these kids will you know personally ?...... Maybe your own child? We need to let everyone know. KIDS GET CANCER TOO!!!!! Don't they deserve to enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood? We can make that difference for them together!!
Each family is sponsored by an individual, civic group, corporation, or foundation, which enables a family to spend a week at Camp Sunshine free of charge. Dare to take the Challenge...
