HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — The Grand Rapids chapter of Gilda’s Club will host the 20th annual Camp Sparkle from Aug. 3 to 5, 2021.
Camp Sparkle is an annual day camp helps children from first through sixth grades affected by cancer and grief for any reason, teaching healthy coping skills. The day camp is free and open to the community.
Last year, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids hosted a virtual camp. This year, campers can attend virtually or in person.
The in-person camp and virtual camp will be facilitated by master -level professionals, with trained volunteers adding support and some community partners as special guests.
The in-person camp is set for 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 3 to Thursday, 5, 2021, on the grounds of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, 1806 Bridge Street NW in Grand Rapids.
The virtual camp, via Zoom, is set for 12:30-1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 3 to Thursday, 5, 2021.
“Camp Sparkle builds upon the foundation of ‘never being alone’ to normalize the child’s experience and emotions that are common, and often times expected on a cancer and grief journey.” said Wendy Wigger, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids president.
Anyone interested is registering a child for the camp can email Gilda’s Club at info@gildasclubgr.org.
Gilda’s Club provides support for people living with cancer, and their family and friends. The club was inspired by Detroit native and Emmy award-winning comedian Gilda Radner. In addition to being an original Saturday Night Live cast member, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1986 and died in 1989. During her treatment, she belonged to a support group, later writing about the importance of such groups and the value of laughter during a health crisis. After her death, her husband, Gene Wilder, and family friends founded the first Gilda’s Club in New York City.
In 1996, philanthropist and cancer survivor Twink Frey decided to start the Grand Rapids chapter, which she did with the help of fellow cancer survivors Deb Bailey and Susan Smith.
Learn more about Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids at gildasclubgr.org.
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