Childhood cancer families receive support as website anchor returns to Camp Periwinkle, a vital resource for them.
In the heart of Houston, Texas, lies a beacon of hope and joy for children fighting cancer and their siblings – Camp Periwinkle. Although specific details about its history, mission, and impact were scant in our initial search results, general knowledge paints a vivid picture of this remarkable pediatric oncology camp.
Camp Periwinkle is a unique summer camp experience, offering a medically supervised environment where children with cancer and their siblings can find solace, support, and fun. Its mission is to help these children and their families cope with the challenges of cancer through recreation, peer support, and education.
Each year, the camp aims to improve the quality of life for these children and their families by fostering friendships, building self-esteem, and providing a sense of normalcy outside the hospital setting. Over the years, it has impacted countless families by giving kids an opportunity to be children first, despite their illness, through various outdoor activities and supportive programming.
Dr. ZoAnn Dreyer, the Medical Director of the camp, states that Camp Periwinkle transforms lives every year. This sentiment is echoed by Melissa Wilson, a Medical Reporter from our website, who returned to Camp Periwinkle after her son, Caleb, battled cancer there more than a decade ago. This year, nearly 200 campers attended Camp Periwinkle, creating unforgettable experiences and forming lifelong friendships.
Caleb, now a camp counselor, shares that he is blessed to be able to give his insight and guidance to the campers, as he sees patterns and things that he experienced himself. Doug Suggitt, the Executive Director, mentions that a big part of the magic of Camp Periwinkle is the counselors who were campers returning to give back.
Camp Periwinkle offers two camps: one for the children battling cancer, and another for the entire family. It is a retreat for these children and their siblings, held at Camp For All in Burton, Texas. The camp has touched many lives in the greater Houston area, with former campers returning as counselors and even pursuing careers in medicine to give back to the community.
Camp Periwinkle was founded by Dr Paul Gerson in 1983 and named by the mother of a patient, inspired by the periwinkle flower, which is used to make a common chemotherapy drug. As the camp expands to accommodate more families, ensuring that its legacy of love and healing continues to grow, it remains a lifeline for many families and has deep roots in the community.
For more information about Camp Periwinkle, visit the Periwinkle Foundation's website. Melissa Wilson interviewed everyone at camp to gather information for this story, including both of her sons who served as camp counselors this summer. Zach, another camp counselor, mentions that the campers want to be there for their sibling and always put on a brave face for them. Dana Zamora, a patient, shares that Camp Periwinkle is meaningful because of the sweet and understanding people she meets and the great friendships she builds.
In the end, Camp Periwinkle is more than just a summer camp. It's a community, a sanctuary, and a beacon of hope for children battling cancer and their families. It's a place where children can be children, where families can find support, and where hope blooms like the periwinkle flower that inspired its name.
