Frequently Asked Questions


1. (How are the children and families referred to your programs?)

2. (How are your programs funded?)

3. (Where is your camp located?)

4. (What is the significance of Camp Heart Connection's rainbow logo?)

5. (What are the main programs that you provide?)

 

 


1. How are the children and families referred to your programs?

All of our children are either living in, being treated in, or were diagnosed within the state of Iowa. Our two primary referring facilities are Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines and University of Iowa Children’s Hospital in Iowa City. However, many of our children are also referred to us through friends and families already engaged in our organization. We currently serve over 450 children and their families from throughout the state. 

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2. How are your programs funded?

We are a statewide 501(c)3 organization with our physical office located in Des Moines, Iowa. We do not have any national affiliations and do not receive any federal or state money, nor are we a United Way agency. We rely on contributions of corporations, foundations and individuals to support our programs and services. Individuals may donate money through their employer charitable giving program by recognizing Children's Cancer Connection as a “donor choice.” We also host various special events throughout the year to assist in our fundraising. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of an event, please contact Director of Donor Relations, Emily Fish emily@childrenscancerconnection.org for more information. 

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3. Where is your camp located?

We currently utilize the Y-Camp in Boone, Iowa. This facility provides a premier venue for our kids to have the full camping experience – hiking, swimming, horseback riding, climbing wall and archery, just to name a few. We are honored to have received the American Camp Association accreditation in 2008.

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4. What is the significance of Camp Heart Connection's rainbow logo?

According to John Cornish, who lost his little brother in 1987, “Cancer doesn’t just hurt the person with the disease, it hurts the whole family.” His little brother, Danny, was five years old when he lost his battle with the disease. Before he died, he painted a picture of a bright rainbow surrounded by sunlight with a heart at its center. He told everyone that it was “for all his family and friends who brought sunshine, rainbows and love to him during his illness.” To this day, Danny’s colorful design signifies the philosophy of Camp Heart Connection and is proudly displayed as the camp's logo.

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5. What are the main programs that you provide?

Children's Cancer Connection provides all types of programs, but they can be broken in to a few “arms.” The Hospital-Based Programs arm provides Family Resource Kits to newly diagnosed families to serve as their road map through their treatment process. Beads for Bravery is a program that allows children to track their journey in a tangible and visual way and provides them colorful beads representing each step of their treatment. We also send volunteers to the hospital to provide arts and crafts for families as they are going through out patient procedures. End of Treatment celebrations are a special way to thank the medical team and celebrate with friends and families the major milestone of finishing a treatment. The Support Services & Family Outings arm allows for families to interact with one another in both structured and unstructured settings. Outings to sporting events, amusement parks and seasonal activities encourage families to engage on a recreational level, while support groups for recently diagnosed families, grief groups and teen groups are more specific support avenues. The Camps and Retreats arm is designed for the individual with cancer, the siblings of a child with cancer and a separate family camp for the whole family at Camp Heart Connection. Additionally, the Survivorship Services arm provides support to young adult survivors of childhood cancer.

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Have a question about our programs and services that wasn't answer here? Send your questions to info@childrenscancerconnection.org