Here is a note from Liz Schwehm, a former Timber Tops counselor and parent to a soon-to-be first-time Timber Tops camper in 2015! Liz and her husband Jeremy also have a three-year-old with cancer. They were able to visit camp this summer with both of their girls. The Ronald McDonald Camp, hosted at Camp Timber Tops, takes place the day after camp ends each year. It’s an extraordinary week and program. Read on for more information and how you can help support this wonderful camp and funding for childhood cancer research.
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Thank you for posting about the Ronald McDonald Camp at Camp Timber Tops!
The day after camp ended I learned that the cabins had been decorated in a new theme – “Around the World in 7 Days”! Over 200 campers with cancer and their siblings arrived for a week of fun, friendship and freedom from being different. They experience everything camp has to offer with trained volunteer medical personnel just steps away through the amazing Philadelphia Ronald McDonald Camp.
I spent 3 summers as a counselor at CTT, I plan to send my own first grader there next year, I even met my husband at camp. I know what a special place it is. I also have a 3 year old with cancer. I watched her walk down the winding road this summer, play on the basketball court, look in awe at the zipline and dance on the stage. She absolutely loved every little bit of camp. She was not old enough to attend the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald Camp at CTT this summer, but it warms my heart to know that over 200 other children enjoyed fun, freedom and a break from the hospital. They even participated in polar bear swim and there was a great video posted online of “Let it Go” being sung in the dining hall! The joy they experience is like none other. I am so very grateful that this phenomenal experience takes place at Camp Timber Tops!
This morning some of you commented on the link asking how you can help. I love the enthusiasm and generosity of the CTT community so would love to share a few ideas about how to help. We have stayed at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House on Chesnut Street and know that both the House and Camp are grateful for any support via volunteering and donations. The direct link to the camp page is: http://www.philarmh.org/our-programs/ronald-mcdonald-camp/
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and there is too little awareness. There are many events, especially in the Philadelphia area (where we are), that are great for families to participate in (here are my favorites- mini camp reunions in the making?):
– Four Seasons Parkway Run & Walk benefiting Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Cancer Research (9/28/14) http://parkway.chop.edu/
– The Lemon Run benefiting Alex’s Lemonade Stand (11/9/14) http://www.alexslemonade.org/campaign/lemon-run
– Anyone can host a lemonade stand through Alex’s Lemonade Stand! Check out http://www.alexslemonade.org/
– Maybe the LOC boys (and some of the girls?) will organize a head shaving event through St. Baldrick’s Foundation! http://www.stbaldricks.org
There are 200 campers that drove away down route 6 and left their hearts in Greeley just one week after the rest of camp did. They appreciate your support.
Liz Schwehm
