Camp Hope began as merely a dream to provide unforgettable experiences and a community of support to children with pediatric cancer during their treatment. In August 2017, Julie Moore of the Dax Foundation stepped in to fund this dream and a formal Camp Hope advisory committee was established. 

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Through coordination with OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center, St. Jude Midwest Affiliate, and the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Camp Hope was created to provide a medically safe camping experience for cancer and blood disorder patients in 2018 and 2019. The program remained stable even throughout the pandemic in 2020-2022, offering a virtual camp experience until we could return in-person. 

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In September 2022, following a change in leadership, we created the Camp Hope Foundation as a a non-profit 501(c)(3) to ensure Camp Hope receives the critical funding it needs to provide quality experiences and year-round support programs for those affected by cancer, blood diseases, and other catastrophic illnesses. 

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Without Camp Hope, there are many young patients in our community that would not otherwise get a traditional camp experience or connect with others also affected by these diseases. We change lives every summer and hope to do that all year long. From donating to volunteering, there are a number of ways you can help change lives! Contact us today to learn more!