Stronger together
Our Caring Connection Group Parties were initiated based on feedback we received from social workers about the needs of families coping with the diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening illnesses. They suggested adding group events to give families much needed time to meet each other, share experiences, learn from each other and develop support systems. We instituted our Caring Connection Group Party Program to do just that in a safe and fun environment.
Planned throughout the year, Caring Connection Parties take place in varied geographical regions. Movie theaters, moon bounce gyms, pumpkin farms, popular museums, and science centers, aboard sailboats, batting cages – the interests are varied and each party is designed to appeal to specific age groups. During these events, our families are surrounded by supportive Casey Cares staff and empathetic caregivers whose children are enduring the same treatment regimens for complicated diseases.
“I was standing next to Selena (diagnosed with leukemia) and Sofia (diagnosed with leukemia) at last month’s Caring Connections Party. Sofia and Selena’s mom were talking about an overnight camp for children with cancer. I guess Sofia was a little nervous about going to camp for the first time. So, I watched as Selena sat down next to her and told her that this was going to be her third year there and it was so much fun and that Sofia shouldn’t be nervous because they would know each other! It was so nice to see relationships being built through our group parties. Not only did the girls have a great day swimming, playing games and making crafts, but they also formed a bond. This exchange wasn’t mindblowing or unbelievable, it is just what happens when kids with similar diagnosis’ get together for an afternoon. It warmed my heart to know that because Casey Cares arranged this pool party, one seven-year-old was excited to go camping and not nearly as nervous as she had been earlier that day. It is something little, but that is what the Caring Connection Program is all about! I am so proud to run this program for our families! I gain as much as our families do from this program”
-Leslie Silverman
Caring Connections Program Coordinator
