Why Special Love?
Mainstream media often portrays and sheds light on major disasters across the globe, but rarely gives consistent attention to the needs of our local community. In the past, VitA has organized fundraisers and dedicated the proceeds to well-known charitable organizations that serve such large-scale disaster reliefs. However, this year, the members of VitA were looking for something more personal, something closer to home; a cause that:
- Serves the local community
- Is passionate in addressing health-care issues
- Is well established with strong leadership and potential for growth
- Has low overhead and administrative cost, with most going directly to the cause
That's how we found Special Love.
Special Love was founded in 1983 by a couple who lost their daughter to lymphoma, a type of cancer involving cells of the immune system. Their mission was to provide other children with cancer the rare opportunity to enjoy traditional camp activities and other opportunities that healthy children often take for granted. Since then, the organization has grown from one camp for 29 children to nearly 20 programs that impact over 3000 people annually.
Special Love provides a strong support system by bringing children with cancer and their families together under an engaging, outdoorsy environment. Some of these outdoor functions include nature hikes, arts and crafts, canoe racing, swimming, challenge courses, horseback riding, and campfire sing-a-longs. The benefits of these camp programs are significant. For instance, a recent study conducted by the UCLA School of Medicine showed that marked improvements in affective symptoms of children with cancer, attributable to the psychological benefits of the camping experience, "became more pronounced, not just sustained, over time." 1
There are many reasons why Special Love needs our assistance. It is a place where unforgettable memories are created - "a premier source of hope, comfort, and compassion to children with cancer and their families." 2 VitA proudly extends our support and is eager to increase our efforts towards this cause. With each volunteer's help, each sponsor's donation, each auction participant's contribution, and all those who attend our event, VitA aims to sponsor an event to witness one more child laugh, one more family unite, and an entire community of support.
References
- Wellisch DK, Crater B, Wiley FM, et al. 2006. Psychological impacts of a camping experience for children with cancer and their siblings. J Psychosoc Oncol 15: available at http://www.specialove.org/camp study.pdf.
- http://www.specialove.org
How can I help?
Helping is easy! Just attend our PULSE event, as proceeds generated that night from the date auction will be donated to Special Love. If for some reason you can't make it, you can also donate directly to Special Love by clicking the button below. Please be sure to type "Visions into Action (VitA)" in the box marked "Dedication or Gift." All contributions are tax-deductible, and go towards Special Love.
