Caring for children with chronic illness can be costly and demanding. However, Sunrise Day Camp in Pearl River is taking on the task to ensure that children with cancer and their siblings enjoy the summer camp experience while receiving the special attention they need.
“Children with cancer are often isolated from the normal activities of childhood," said Sandy Haft, camp director. "Rarely do they have a chance to see beyond the closed worlds of home, hospital, and doctors’ offices.”
Since the full-time summer camp is free of charge to children with cancer and their siblings, Sunrise Summer Camp is asking the community to lend a hand and raise money during the SunriseWALKS walk-a-thon at the camp on Sunday, June 9 at 10 a.m. at 89 Sickeltown Rd in Orangeburg.
This family event will also include activities for children during the Finish Line Celebration.
The new Pearl River day camp will accommodate about 150 children aged 3 ½ to 16-years-old and will open its doors on July 2. The camp will have specially trained staff on-site including counselors, specialists, assistance, pediatric oncology nurses and volunteer pediatric oncology doctors from local hospitals.
Sunrise Day Camp first opened in Wheatley Heights in 2006, with a second location opening in Israel in 2010.
“Sunrise Day Camp opens the door to a new world by making it possible for campers to enjoy a summer filled with exciting activities daily, enduring friendships and joyful experiences, while paying careful attention to their special medical and emotional needs,” said Haft.
For more information on how to register for the walk visit www.sunrisewalks.kintera.org/pearlriver and www.rosenthaljcc.org/sunrise for more information on Sunrise Day Camp, a non-secretarian program of the Rosenthal JCC and Friedberg JCC.
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