Cancer creates an instant crisis in a family. Fear and anxiety are the first emotions young people may feel after learning of their illness and what they are about to face. Kids with cancer are still normal kids! Our program’s focus is guided by the direct feedback we receive from affected families and advice from the Cool Kids Advisory Committees.
Cool Kids Learning Center
The Cool Kids Learning Center is designed to address the academic, social and emotional issues that accompany a cancer diagnosis. With the launch of the program in Fall 2011, we offer individualized tutoring, group activities, and preschool “Mommy and Me” for oncology patients – all at no cost to the family. This facility is designed for kids with cancer to have a place where they feel they fit in, alongside of peers with similar experiences, as they attempt to continue a normal childhood. If you’d like to volunteer, the Learning Center is a terrific way to become involved with Cool Kids Campaign, even for a few hours a month. We also ask for donations of supplies and other items, so be sure to read our Wish List!
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Cool Kids Care Packages
One of our original programs since Cool Kids was established in 2006, hundreds of care packages have been distributed throughout the U.S. to children with cancer. From our inventory closet, volunteers select care package items that reflect a child’s specific interests, then assemble and mail their special package to his/her home as a surprise. Please contact us if you are interested in donating toys, gift cards, shipping supplies, or other items related to this program.
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Cool Kids Connection
Our quarterly newspaper, Cool Kids Connection, is all about the kids and their families. Stories are submitted from caregivers, parents, and of course, the kids living with cancer. Their families are invited to submit stories, poems, artwork, photography, and/or anything that reflects who they are and how they feel about the experience. Cool Kids Connection is delivered to 130 pediatric oncology hospitals across the country. We do our best to include all appropriate submissions; items are edited for length and grammar. Email submissions for consideration to editor Sharon Perfetti. Read previous issues here.
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Adventures in Baltimore
The Cool Kids Campaign looks for fun, local activities to bring Cool Kid families together. Be it tickets to Orioles or Ravens games, or concerts and events at 1st Mariner Arena, the ultimate goal is to make our cool kids happy.
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Cancer Fears ME!
This trademarked slogan was developed as an expression of what most cancer patients experience. The sale of this line of merchandise helps to fund Cool Kids Campaign programs. Through our Designated Patient Fundraising program, patients are also able to utilize the line of merchandise as a fundraiser for themselves; this awards families 25% of sales which they use to cover a portion of cancer-related expenses.
