Annual George DIllman Fundraiser
Tax deductible
It’s that time of year again… As most of you know I was engaged to an amazing man who tragically passed away in an accident on October 9th 2008. George was the type of guy who would take his shirt off his back to help another person. He was the kindest, funniest, and most wonderful man I ever met. He was a volunteer firefighter; he was a volunteer paramedic and an all-around super hero. To honor him and his incredibly generous and altruistic nature, money is raised each October to help someone in need. This year I am honored to be raising money for the Sunrise Day Camp.
Sunrise Day Camp–Long Island is a summer day camp for children with cancer and their siblings, and it is completely free of charge. While the physical and mental effects of cancer are hard to ignore, the financial impact this disease has on families is often overlooked. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it is common for one parent to stop working in order to manage their child’s disease. Days are spent in and out of hospitals for doctors’ appointments and chemotherapy – or staying at home when their child is too ill to attend school. Having one less source of income, combined with endless medical bills, often takes a devastating toll on a family’s financial situation. Because of this, Sunrise offers their summer camp completely free to children with cancer and their siblings.
This past summer my amazing little cousin Austin attended Sunrise camp. Austin has Leukemia. It was discovered when he started complaining about extreme pain in his leg and shoulder. The diagnosis was confirmed through extensive blood work and a bone marrow scan. Thankfully the cancer is in remission but treatment will continue for at least three more years. This has taken a toll on him and his family. Seeing the pictures of him at camp was really special. The pictures captured a sense of joy for living instead of the despair and hopelessness that so many of these stricken youngsters experience every day. You can see how special the staff is and how much fun they are all having. Camp is very near and dear to my heart and seeing these kids experiencing it and truly enjoying it during these difficult and challenging times is magical.
The money that we raise will go right to the Sunrise Camp so they can continue to bring back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings. I am so grateful for your support.
Sunrise Day Camp–Long Island is a summer day camp for children with cancer and their siblings, and it is completely free of charge. While the physical and mental effects of cancer are hard to ignore, the financial impact this disease has on families is often overlooked. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it is common for one parent to stop working in order to manage their child’s disease. Days are spent in and out of hospitals for doctors’ appointments and chemotherapy – or staying at home when their child is too ill to attend school. Having one less source of income, combined with endless medical bills, often takes a devastating toll on a family’s financial situation. Because of this, Sunrise offers their summer camp completely free to children with cancer and their siblings.
This past summer my amazing little cousin Austin attended Sunrise camp. Austin has Leukemia. It was discovered when he started complaining about extreme pain in his leg and shoulder. The diagnosis was confirmed through extensive blood work and a bone marrow scan. Thankfully the cancer is in remission but treatment will continue for at least three more years. This has taken a toll on him and his family. Seeing the pictures of him at camp was really special. The pictures captured a sense of joy for living instead of the despair and hopelessness that so many of these stricken youngsters experience every day. You can see how special the staff is and how much fun they are all having. Camp is very near and dear to my heart and seeing these kids experiencing it and truly enjoying it during these difficult and challenging times is magical.
The money that we raise will go right to the Sunrise Camp so they can continue to bring back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings. I am so grateful for your support.
Organizer
Alyssa Block
Organizer
New York, NY
Sunrise Day Camps Association, Inc.
Beneficiary