What is the mission of Children Oncology Services, Inc.
Children’s Oncology Services, Inc. operates One Step programs that give children facing cancer a chance to bond with other pediatric cancer patients and survivors in a non-hospital setting. Together, they learn to challenge themselves and give each other hope, strength and understanding through shared experiences.
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How long has Children's Oncology Services, Inc. been running programs?
In 1978, Dr. Edward Baum and 14 volunteers established the first One Step Summer Camp for children with cancer. We will be celebrating our thirty-fifth anniversary this year and over over ten thousand children attended our programs. Children's Oncology Services, Inc. is now a leader in providing empowered, educational and fun experiences to young people facing cancer.
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You mention that Children's Oncology Services, Inc is a volunteer driven organization, what does that mean?
We began through the hard work of dedicated volunteers, and continues to be volunteer-driven as we have the support of more than 400 volunteers (including many former campers). In fact, approximately 40% of camp counselors are former campers themselves. Individuals for all professions and back. Our volunteer medical staff is made up of doctors and nurses from local area hospitals.
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How do I contact Children's Oncology Services, Inc
213 West Institute Place
Suite 511
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: 312.924.4220
Fax: 312.878.7374
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How many One Step programs are there?
From our extremely popular two-week Summer Camp which now serves hundreds of children, to Family and Sibling Camps for family members of children with cancer, and the teen survivor adventure Winter Camp, we offer a total of 10 camp programs throughout the year designed to meet the emotional, educational, and support needs of pediatric cancer patients and their families.
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If my child is currently going through treatment, can they still attend a program?
The status of a childs therapy or stage of illness rarely affects their eligibility to participate. In addition to having been diagnosed with cancer, many kids participating in our programs have either a physical and/or mental disability. Some children can only walk with the assistance of crutches or are confined to wheelchairs, other children are visually impaired, while others suffer from severe anxiety.
Typically, up to 25% of campers receive chemotherapy or other treatments on-site during their time at the camp from our incredibly dedicated and skilled volunteer doctors and nurses. The majority of other campers are either in active treatment at their local hospital or they have gone into remission.
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How much does it cost to attend a program?
Due to the financial burden families experience as a result of income loss from prolonged treatment and hospital stays with their child, as well as out of pocket medical expenses, We set program tuition at a fraction of the actual cost. Although our cost is more than $1,000 in expenses per child, we only ask families to pay up to $100, which our organization partially or completely waives if a family is unable to pay. We are dedicated to welcoming children to our programs and have never turned a participant away due to their financial situation.
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Where is Summer Camp located
George Williams College 350 Constance Blvd. P.O. Box 210. Williams Bay, WI 53191-0210
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