For the past eight years, I have had the life-changing experience of escorting a group of campers on what is far more than a fun, action-packed memorable traveling camp. The children range in age from eight to 18 and came from all types of backgrounds but share one thing in common -- the harsh realities of living with a seriously ill parent.
Far beyond giving the children and their parents a respite, Camp4ever!, a program of Chai4ever, was designed to give campers the ability to express, admit and face their fears in a community of children and teenagers who understand exactly what they are going through. The relationships and connection formed with other campers and staff continues long past the summer and gives them the strength to get through the year.
As we emerge from the shadows of isolation, anxiety and depression created by Corona, please remember the children who live with these shadows in their home every day because of a critically or chronically ill parent! They still dread the regular sounds of ambulance sirens as we did and their only escape is the brief two weeks of camp. These children look forward to it all year and desperately need the fun, relief, and strength that they gain in two short weeks in order to cope with the rest of the year. I would like to do my part to ensure that every child that can benefit from Camp4ever's program will have the opportunity to do so. Unfortunately, there are tremendous expenses associated with running such a camp and it is imperative that Chai4ever also sustain critically needed services to these same families and many others all year round.
For the past three years, I have set the ambitious goal of $36,000 for my campaign, which I have yet to meet! However, I am compelled to keep trying because my generous friends and family know how passionate I am about the need for this camp and enabling Chai4ever to offer this program to every kid who could benefit from it. Unfortunately, every year, they are forced to cut children from their list because of lack of funds. Please help me ensure that this will be the year that all children can get a brief respite of happiness, accompanied by the sustenance of lifetime memories.
