NONPROFIT OF THE MONTH
LIZETTE PEREZ Board Member Childhood Cancer Connection Inc
CHILDHOOD CANCER CONNECTION
Childhood Cancer Connection , Inc . ( CCCI )
is a non-profit 501 ( c )( 3 ) organization that has supported children and their families diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders since 1984 . Through community and individual fund-raising efforts , we are able to offer yearround activities for the children , including attending the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo , a winter family party with Santa Claus , and our children ’ s favorite , a week-long summer camp in Burton , Texas , along with supportive resources for their families .
The Rainbow Connection Camp , sponsored by Childhood Cancer Connection , Inc ., supports children
and adolescents ( ages 6 to 16 ), and their siblings , who have been or are being treated for cancer or blood disorders at The University of Texas Medical Branch Children ’ s Hospital . The goal of The Rainbow Connection Camp is to provide children a place to rediscover the self-esteem and confidence that is so often lost during the course of treatment for illness . The many wonderful activities offered at camp include fishing , swimming , canoeing , archery , horseback riding , arts and crafts , a challenge course , sports , all-camp dance , campfires , music , biking , nightly activities , awards and more .
Childhood Cancer Connection , Inc . is committed to educating the community about the early warning signs and treatable nature of childhood cancer or
blood disorders . Special events and activities held in September during Childhood Cancer Awareness month include our participation in community health fairs ; providing written material to local schools , daycare centers and newspapers ; visiting school classrooms after a student has been diagnosed with cancer or a blood disorder ; and providing a Speakers Bureau to deliver presentations to local civic groups and organizations . Several early warning signs of childhood cancer or blood disorders are , but not limited to , an unusual lump or swelling , an unexplained paleness and loss of energy , easy bruising , an ongoing pain in one area of the body , limping , an unexplained fever or illness that does not go away , frequent headaches that are often accompanied with vomiting , sudden eye or vision changes , and / or sudden unexplained weight loss . Parents should ensure that their children have regular medical check-ups and watch for any unusual symptoms that do not go away after two weeks of treatment with medicine ( including antibiotics ) prescribed by your physician . Cancers in children are often hard to recognize right away because the symptoms can overlap with more common illnesses or injuries . Still , if your child has any of these signs or symptoms , check with your doctor so that the cause can be evaluated and treated . Children with a higher risk of cancer due to family history , may need regular checkups that include specialized tests to look for early signs of cancer .
Childhood Cancer Connection , Inc . relies 100 % on the generosity of volunteers , donors , and individuals that contribute their time , talents , resources , and hearts to carry out our great mission . Your contribution helps to ensure positive experiences for children and families affected by cancer and blood disorders , so kids , despite illness , can be kids . Visit us at rccamp . org and help create memories of a lifetime !
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