Statewide non-profit Children’s Cancer Connection (CCC) is the IMT Des Moines Marathon’s official charity partner. Since 1988, CCC has connected families across Iowa who are affected by childhood cancer, by providing opportunities which encourage relationships and strengthen community. CCC serves nearly 750 families throughout the state of Iowa through more than 60 programs annually. The organization serves the entire family for the entire journey, meaning it supports the child diagnosed with cancer, siblings, and parents, regardless of treatment outcome. CCC’s three areas of service include Camp Heart Connection, support programs and outings, and the My Journey Series. Free Camp Heart Connection camps include Family Camps, Oncology and Sibling Camps, Day Camps and Teen Camps. Through traditional camp activities such as horseback riding, ziplining, climbing, archery, and arts and crafts, as well as through CCC specials such as Wish Night, hair-cutting/donating and Aunt Fifi, kids affected by cancer and their siblings have a week-long escape each year to just be kids. Shorter camps for families and teens provide similar experiences. Support programs and outings feature Teen Hangouts, Teen Lock-Ins, Kids Club and Exploration Expedition, during which participants get to have fun and connect with others going through similar journeys. CCC offers Comfort Connection for bereaved parents and Empowering Scholarships for CCC students. Various statewide family outings are also offered year- round. CCC’s My Journey Series features hospital- and clinic-based programs, which include the My Journey Book, Beads4Bravery®, the Courage Store at Blank Children’s Hospital and more. These resources inform newly diagnosed families and help the tough days during treatment seem a little easier.
WAYS TO SUPPORT:
•Donate at childrenscancerconnection.org. •Sponsor a CCC fundraising event or support program. •Volunteer at an event, at camp or in the office. •Shop from CCC’s program wishlists. •Adopt a family during the Winter Wishes program. CHILDREN’S CANCER CONNECTION 5701 Greendale Road Johnston, IA 50131 childrenscancerconnection.org 515-243-6239 info@childrenscancerconnection.org
