HJBR Nov/Dec 2019

Healthcare Journal of BATON ROUGE I  NOV / DEC 2019 37 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalBR.com she announced her retirement. She was named CEO emeritus. Cancer Services HostsWeeklong Camp for Kids with Cancer Cancer Services hosted the Camp Care finale party at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church to cap off the weeklong day camp, focused on children with cancer and their siblings. Out of the 35 campers that attended, 16 of them have or had cancer. All of the kids enjoyed a week highlighted by a trip to LSU that com- prised of a visit to Mike the Tiger’s habitat, a tour of Tiger Stadium, and meeting several LSU foot- ball players. Other activities included a visit to the Knock Knock Children’s Museum, a swamp tour, a trip to Airborne Extreme. The campers also received a special escort by Louisiana State Police on their laser tag trip to Adventure Quest in New Orleans. Director of Cancer Services, Whitney Craig, led camp efforts, along with 28 volunteer counselors, six of them being cancer survivors. Camp Care is free of charge to all campers, thanks to donor generosity.  “This week provides a much-needed distrac- tion from a disease that can take over so many aspects of these kid’s lives,” said Craig. “It’s a break from the treatments and appointments and provides opportunities to connect with oth- ers who can understand their experiences. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing their smiles and hearing them laugh.” Eleven-year-old camper and cancer survivor, Ainsley D., summed up her feelings about Camp Care in an emotional letter she wrote and shared with everyone during the finale party. “I would like to thank you for my wonderful experience at Camp Care,” Ainsley read aloud. “When I’m there I feel like I’m not being judged, that I’m welcomed with open arms, and most of all, I feel overwhelmed with happiness! I’m sorry to say we will all have to wait for another year for the amazing, magnificent Camp Care!” Cancer Services hosts four additional kids’ camps each year. They include: • Camp Climb, a weeklong day camp for children who have a parent with cancer. • Camp Spotlight, in partnership with Manship Theatre, a weeklong musical theater camp for children impacted by cancer. • Camp Erin, in partnership with Eluna, a week- end camp for children who have experienced the death of a loved one. • STEM Camp, in partnership with St. Joseph’s Academy, a day camp for teens impacted by cancer that share an interest in STEM related fields. Commit to Quit at CIS Celebrates 10K Patients Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS)’s tobacco cessation program, Commit to Quit, celebrated more than 10,000 patients treated by hosting three special events in Lafayette, Houma, and Baton Rouge. The events featured patient testimonials, physi- cian presentations, refreshments, and door prizes. Guests included patients who have completed Cancer Services hosted the Camp Care finale party at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church to cap off the weeklong day camp, focused on children with cancer and their siblings. Pictured are Camp Care campers, volunteer counselors, camp staff, and local law enforcement.