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Dec '03 - Jan '04
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The Casey Cares Foundation
Letter from Georgetown University Children’s Medical Center
April 20, 2001
To: Casey E. Baynes
Executive Director
Casey Cares Foundation
Dear Ms. Baynes,
It is hard to believe that the casey Cares Foundation has been in existence for less than a year and yet it has made such a huge impact on our children and families struggling with the challenges of childhood cancer and serious blood disorders. Hardly a day goes by that a child or parent doesn’t pull me aside to tell me about their latest "adventure" created and organzied by you and your wonderful staff. My only regret is that you do not get to see the excited faces of the children and the grateful relief expressed by the parents that comes my way as result of your sensitive and gentle work.
We have eighteen children and families benefitting from the wie ragne of family oriented activities you seem to arrange b y magic. One parent recently exclaimed, "This is just what we need –being able to spend a night at home all together with pizza and a BlockBuster video, is wonderful!! These folks (Casey Cares) really understand how hard it is to be on the goa ll the time, back and forth to the hospital without a moment to catch your breath and have so little time to be together as a family. Please tell them thank you for us." I have received wonderful illustrated thank-you notes from children who have enjoyed the "Greatest Show on Earth."
It is a joy and honor to receive these heartfelt little thank-yous on behalf of the Foundation. Not only do the children and family enjoy the "Show" (whether the circus, ball-game, concert, or theme park), but you also make it possible for the families to afford transportation, parking, and a treat as well. Your sensitivity to the "out of pocket" expenses which accompany fun activities is truly exceptional and unique. Moreover, your awareness of the special emotional needs of the siblings is also extraordinary. Often they suffer in silence – the "usual and customary" structure of support is shattered when their ill sibling is diagnosed making their life and expectations change dramatically. With Casey Cares, the sibling experience is acknowledged, validated, and supported. Your attention to detail demonstrates that you really understand what the kids and families need.
In a seminar, I attended years ago, the discussion centered around the 3 As of effective service. In essence, a service needs to be "Affordable," "Accessible," and "Appropriate" to be truly effective. With this in mind, it is little wonder Casey Cares is so successful in meeting the special needs of families facing special challenges. Families are impressed with the personal touch that envelops every interaction – phone calls, activities targeted to their special interests, letters translated into Spanish when necessary, stattionary and literature that is bright, sensitivitly worded, and respectful. It is very clear that the focus is squarely directed on the children and their families.
Personally, Casey Cares allows me to continue my work in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology with a happier heart and added strength. I feel great joy when I give the family an application and tell them a little about the program. For both the family and me there is a brief break from the intense, serious, and sometimes painful hospital environment. Knowing there are good, kind, and generous people willing to give unfailing support to the children and families make it possible to survive as a professional in this area of work. Your work brightens the lives of so many and for this I am grateful.
It is my sincere hope that the Casey Cares Foundation will find the necessary support to continue it’s mission to bring hope and cheer to the children and their families challenged by cancer and other life-threatening illness. The service that Casey Cares provides truly makes a difference in how children and families experience this unexpected huge detour in their lives. I am very grateful to be associated with such a wonderful organization.
Sincerely,
Yvonne D. Bush, M.S.W., LICSW
Clinical Pediatric Social Worker
Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
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