4th Annual Cribbs Kitchen Burger Cook-off

Aiken Standard
By Stephanie Turner Jul 9, 2017

http://www.aikenstandard.com/lifestyle/aiken-native-is-actively-involved-in-children-s-cancer-nonprofit/article_0d5f825c-6359-11e7-9037-3702320617ce.html

Cancer doesn’t just impact adults and doesn’t just impact those inflicted with the condition.

The South Carolina organization The Children’s Security Blanket not only recognizes this reality but serves to help children coping with cancer and their families.

“The mission of The Children’s Security Blanket is to provide comprehensive support and loving compassion to families whose children are battling cancer to improve their overall quality of life,” the nonprofit’s website says. “The Children’s Security Blanket seeks solutions to assist families with unforeseen expenses associated with the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer by providing food, lodging and travel to families.”

Creating the organization

The nonprofit is based in Spartanburg and began in 2001 with the help of Aiken native Tom Russell, who currently serves as program assistant at 80 years old. Russell is now a Spartanburg resident.

“Tom returned from an international Optimist meeting where funds were committed for cancer research to a prominent cancer center, and Tom asked what can we do right here at home. Quickly they discovered there were children in jeopardy not just from cancer but the challenges of getting to treatment. The local Spartanburg Optimist Club became the sponsor of the security blanket project in 2001. Five years later, CSB incorporated and became its own 501(c) (3) nonprofit,” said Laura Allen, the organization’s executive director.

Russell has worked as the governor of the South Carolina Optimist Club, which is part of Optimist International. The international club’s flagship program supports children with cancer.

“The creation of CSB provided an avenue through which these families could receive the support they desperately need as they strive to ensure their child receives the best possible care,” Russell said. “My father was killed in a boating accident. … Growing up without a dad caused me to realize the true value of family life, and we kept this top of mind while developing CSB. These children are faced with many obstacles, and the family unit is entirely disrupted. The joy of making a difference in the lives of these families is paramount to my well being with the Lord.”

Within the course of 15 years, Russell and his colleagues assisted around 100 children in Spartanburg County.

“In the last year alone, 100 new children were welcomed into our program,” Allen said. “We don’t yet have a referral from Aiken County, but we know it’s just a matter of time. We do know that there are over 200 children a year diagnosed with cancer in South Carolina.”

What the organization does

The very name of the organization carries a literal and a symbolic meaning.

“When a child diagnosed with cancer became part of our family, we presented them with a carefully chosen blanket, so that they literally felt ‘wrapped in hope and love’ while undergoing treatment. This gesture became a custom that we still do today,” the organization’s website says.

Volunteers crochet the blankets.

“I am delighted to see our children’s faces when we give them,” Allen said. “However, the blanket is truly just a symbol, as our purpose is to (provide) access to care.”

The organization helps newborns to 18-year-olds. Once enrolled in the program, they can still participate until they are 21.

When a patient is led to Children’s Security Blanket, representatives from the organization meet the family to get more information about the situation.

“In addition to the practical and financial support, there is a social and emotional support. We connect our families so they can feel less alone on their cancer journey. We do this though our monthly family night, summer camp (Camp Victory), back-to-school event, Christmas gathering, each child’s birthday, newsletters for our families,” Allen said. “We have a network of social workers at the limited number of pediatric treatment centers. They help us identify children battling cancer at special risk due to distance and family financial limitations. We constantly interact with our network to assure that every child has access to care. We collaborate with the treatment centers to make certain that family needs are met.”

GoUpstate.com
By Allison M. Roberts Staff Writer  Jun 30, 2017 at 10:19 PM

http://www.goupstate.com/news/20170630/teen-battling-cancer-gets-his-own-camp-experience

Tron Foster has battled bone cancer since he was 6 years old, but that doesn’t stop him from doing the things he loves most — including fishing.

For the past 10 years, Foster, 15, has attended Camp Victory at Optimist Acres in Spartanburg. The camp, sponsored by the Children’s Security Blanket, gives children fighting cancer the opportunity to just be kids for a week, said camp co-founder Tom Russell.

Foster will be missing camp this year because the cancer he’s battled for most of his life has now affected his right leg. His mother, Ashley Garner, said her son’s leg will have to be amputated just above the knee.

When Russell found out Foster couldn’t attend camp this year, he decided to surprise the teen and host a special two-day camp just for him.

“That was like being hit in the head with a sledgehammer,” Russell said of finding out Foster wouldn’t be at camp. “I said, ‘Let’s take Tron to camp.’ That ran through my head first. I went home and prayed over it and said, ‘We’re going to have camp for this boy.”

For two days — Thursday and Friday — Foster, his siblings and some of his friends took over Camp Victory. An avid fisherman, Foster spent most of Thursday at the camp’s pond. The rain Friday delayed his start, but he was back on the dock with his fishing pole as soon as there was a break in the weather.

As he was sitting there with his fishing pole resting beneath his chair, watching the line as it rested on top of the water, Foster said he felt his rod jerk a little and noticed the line moving.

“I’m sitting in the chair and I saw my rod almost go in the water,” Foster said. “I picked it up, held it in the air, and it felt like I hooked a brick. The fish jumped and I freaked out.”

With some help from Russell and a few of his friends, Foster reeled in a 6-pound largemouth bass from the pond.

“It’s been great having fun with my family and friends,” Foster said. “And I just caught my new biggest fish. It’s like a dream come true. I’m speechless.”

Garner said she was thankful Foster had the opportunity to enjoy camp.

“We were very excited because it shows the love that the Children’s Security Blanket has for our family,” Garner said. “Just to let Tron know how special he is. For him to miss this year, it was a bit depressing for him in addition to what we’re fixing to go through. It was a priceless moment to see him excited and see that smile on his face.”

Garner said preparing for the amputation takes some work. There are state Department of Health and Environmental Control regulations their home must meet, and Garner has to take steps now to get Foster a prosthesis before his surgery.

After the surgery, they’ll be in Charleston for up to three months. Foster will spend a month in the hospital, after which he’ll go to a rehab facility within 12 miles of the hospital, Garner said.

Foster and his family have been working with the Children’s Security Blanket for the past 10 years. Garner said the group has helped her family with many things, and also made sure Foster’s siblings are included.

“They’re family. It’s like a blanket and we’re just wrapped in love,” Garner said. “No matter what time of day or night, I can pick up the phone and call Laura (Allen) and Tom, and they’ll answer. If we have to go to Charleston unexpectedly, they’re asking, ‘What do you need? What can we do?’”

Camp Victory will host one more event for Foster before he heads to Charleston. Garner has put together a large party that is doubling as a benefit for the family.

On July 29, Foster’s friends, family and extended family from Camp Victory and the Children’s Security Blanket will get together for a day of fun, food and fishing.

Garner said the event, which will be held from from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is open to the public and she’s already received a number of donated items. She’s still taking food and drink donations, and encourages people to come by that day.

For more information on the event, including how to donate, contact Garner at ashleygarner361@yahoo.com.

News provided by The Children’s Security Blanket

Jun 28, 2017, 17:29 ET

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/young-cancer-patient-to-enjoy-personalized-summer-camp-300481540.html

SPARTANBURG, S.C., June 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — More than any other activity 15-year-old Tron Foster loves fishing. As a young cancer patient this affinity has grown over the last six years in part through his annual participation in Camp Victory, sponsored by The Children’s Security Blanket (CSB), a Spartanburg, SC based nonprofit providing support for children battling cancer. This year, Tron will have to miss camp as the bone cancer he has battled since he was six has now totally claimed his leg, which will be amputated in Charleston in August. However, CSB, a group that is experienced at helping fight battles, is making sure Tron gets his chance to fish. The organization has planned to surprise Tron and his younger sister, Kendall, with a special camp just for them this Thursday and Friday, June 29-30, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Hosting the camp on CSB’s behalf will be Tom Russell, 80, a co-founder of the organization and a leader for Camp Victory since it began 10 years ago. Russell, affectionately known as “Coach” by most due to years of coaching community and church ball teams, will personally take Tron fishing and lead him through camp activities that his peers will enjoy in mid July. Camp Victory, a three-day camp designed to allow children struggling with cancer to “just be kids” for awhile, is held at Optimist Acres, located at 590 Foster Mill Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302.

“When Tom learned that Tron’s surgery would keep him from experiencing camp this year he immediately came up with the idea of holding a special camp just for Tron and his sister. That’s the kind of person Tom is – he just loves the children we serve,” said Laura Allen, CSB Executive Director. Wofford College recently awarded Russell the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award, recognizing excellence of character and humanitarian service.  

“Camp Victory is CSB’s way to help ensure that the precious children we serve, like Tron, have the chance to just enjoy a fun summer camp experience and leave behind medical treatments, needle sticks and hospital visits for a time,” explained Allen. “We have had the privilege of serving Tron and his family since 2009, providing connections to resources, assisting with travel and lodging expenses related to cancer treatments and providing support and encouragement during very difficult times. Tron is an incredible young man with a big heart who has shared with us that he plans to give back by organizing a fishing tournament to benefit CSB.”

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, CSB’s Camp Victory has provided children who really need a dose of joy the chance to participate in activities such as fishing, riding horses, nature study and enjoying hands-on crafts and games. Camp Victory offers CSB families the opportunity to make memories while uniting with others who share their challenges.

Beginning as a project of the Optimist Club in 1999, and becoming a nonprofit in 2006, The Children’s Security Blanket has served hundreds of families across SC and NC affected by childhood cancer. The organization provides support for struggling families including making travel arrangements to healthcare facilities and funds for transportation, lodging, and meals while the children receive critical medical treatments.

www.childrenssecurityblanket.org
864-582-0673

SOURCE The Children’s Security Blanket

Related Links

http://www.childrenssecurityblanket.org

WSPA.com
Vanessa de la Viña,  July 12, 2017, 5:34 am

http://wspa.com/2017/07/12/camp-victory-gives-young-cancer-patients-chance-to-be-kids/

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) – More than 50 children are putting their battles with cancer on hold for a few days of fun and relaxation.

It’s all part of Camp Victory, a 3-day camp hosted by the Children’s Security Blanket.

On Tuesday, the campers got the chance to visit Hope Remains Ranch for a special field trip.

The ranch specializes in helping people dealing with illnesses or trauma through the use of equine therapy.

The horses know just how to bring smiles to the children’s faces.

The kids spend the day riding horses, playing games and walking miniature horses.

Hope Remains Ranch founder and CEO Melanie Watt says the kids love spending time there.

“Out here it doesn’t feel like therapy. It just feels like you’re just playing with horses, so it’s not clinical and it just helps them to relax and enjoy themselves, and that’s part of our mission is to offer hope and a second chance to those that are hurting and that goes right along with what the Children’s Security Blanket does,” Watt told 7News.

Wednesday is the last day of Camp Victory but the Children’s Security Blanket helps these kids and their families all year long.

The non-profit has helped hundreds of families dealing with childhood cancer since it started in 2006.

The organization relieves some of the burden for families across the Carolinas and Georgia by providing help with food, transportation and lodging when children are in treatment.

Camp Victory is another way the organization helps these families and gives them a few days of joy.

This is the tenth year for the annual camp that allows young cancer patients to forget about their worries for a few days and just be kids.

For these children who have been through so much, it’s a much needed break.

“They are so excited to do, rather than just being in a hospital, having that treatment going into their arms or whatever or lying around the house. It’s something about the outdoors so to be a part of it is just a blessing,” said Children’s Security Blanket board chair Sheila Ingle.

The Children’s Security Blanket depends on donations and grants to continue to help these families.

For more information on the non-profit and to donate or volunteer, click here.

GreenvilleOnline.com
STAFF REPORT 

11:59 a.m. ET June 13, 2017

http://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/2017/06/13/upstate-childrens-cancer-organizations-recognized-state-representatives/392162001/

The Children’s Security Blanket (CSB) and the Children’s Cancer Optimist Club (CCOC) were recently honored with a House resolution in recognition of their efforts to provide support for children who are battling cancer.

The resolution was presented to the organizations by members of the South Carolina House of Representatives.

CSB was founded in Spartanburg and now serves families in 66 counties across three states.

As volunteers, staff, board members and families who have benefited from the services offered by CSB watched from the gallery, Rep. Rita Allison read the resolution on the floor of the State House.

The representative took the opportunity to recognize the groups in advance of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September when the House is not in session.

“The Children’s Security Blanket, while starting in Spartanburg, is now serving our entire state with a blanket of care, love, and support for our children and their families who face cancer,” said Allison, representing people from District 36. “We commend their special work.”

Beginning as a project of the Optimist Club in 1999, and becoming a nonprofit organization in 2006, The Children’s Security Blanket has served hundreds of families affected by childhood cancer.

The organization provides a wide range of assistance for struggling families including making travel arrangements to healthcare facilities and providing funds for transportation, lodging, and meals while the children receive critical medical treatments.  
CSB, whose service area extends throughout South Carolina and portions of North Carolina and Georgia, also offers tremendous emotional support, special events and other resources that enrich the lives of the children, parents, and siblings.

The CCOC supports the mission of the CSB and works to stimulate greater awareness of the special needs of children with cancer while identifying local resources for their families. 

“The hard work of volunteers and staff, as well as the generosity of our many supporters, has been the impetus behind the significant growth in our service area and our ability to serve more families in crisis,” said Laura Allen, executive director of The Children’s Security Blanket. “We are very honored by the recognition offered by Rep. Allison and her colleagues. Their support is both meaningful and motivational as we work to ensure these precious children are provided with the support they desperately need.” 

GoUpstate.com
By Allison M. Roberts Staff Writer Jul 10, 2017 at 7:20 PM

http://www.goupstate.com/news/20170710/camp-celebrates-10-years-of-helping-children-battling-cancer

When Tom Russell first began putting Camp Victory together 10 years ago, he never imagined it would grow into what it is now.

Russell, co-creator of the camp and co-founder of The Children’s Security Blanket, knew that the kids being served by the local nonprofit needed a place to just be kids.

“In the first camp, we had five or six kids out here. We did not know what we were doing,” Russell said. “I researched every camp I could find across the Southeast and Northwest. I read, I called people and I called camp counselors. I had an idea about 10 years ago that the best thing we could do was create a camp for these kids.”

Camp Victory, located at Optimist Acres in Pauline, is just one of the services provided by The Children’s Security Blanket, Executive Director Laura Allen said.

Allen said she has seen the camp really grow in her three years with the organization. Last year, there were 15 children at the camp. This year, they are expecting to see close to 200 youngsters over the course of the week.

PHOTOS: Camp Victory helps kids enjoy summer

The first year was a little chaotic, Russell said. Vickie Holt, her husband Steve, and Doug Rayner, a biology professor at Wofford College, were just a few of the people instrumental in getting the camp up and running.

Each year, Rayner comes to camp and takes the kids on nature walks where they learn about trees, plants and wildlife around the camp. He also brings in reptiles for the children to pet and hold.

“I couldn’t do it without Doug,” Russell said. “Those kids worship him, and he holds their attention and teaches them.”

Vickie Holt got involved when she met Russell at a community event at her church. When he told her about his idea and the children it would help, Holt said she was on board.

Holt had directed camps for years, been active in her church’s children’s church and also knew where to find artists, magicians and people who draw caricatures.

“We just pulled it together,” Holt said. “Tom got the donations and the community to support it, and Steve and I worked out the logistics of how it’d work.”

It’s been rewarding to watch the camp grow and to see how excited the children are about coming to camp, Holt said. They talk about it all year, she said, and for some it becomes a goal to fight for — to be well enough to attend the camp the next year.

The camp is designed to be a family experience, Allen said.

The Children’s Security Blanket not only takes care of the child battling cancer, but also of siblings and parents. When camp rolls around, the brothers, sisters, moms and dads are also invited to attend.

The nonprofit services a number of families with children who travel for treatment. Allen said there are some who travel to Greenville, Charleston and even New York for the life-saving treatments they need.

They don’t get to have a normal kid’s life, Allen said, which is why Camp Victory is so important. It gives them the chance to spend a few days doing the kinds of things children do.

“We just want them to be kids,” Allen said. “We want them to laugh, run and play. For them, that’s this opportunity where they don’t have to think about what they’re going through.”

Lexi Wells, 15 of Anderson, has been coming to Camp Victory since she was 6 years old. She enjoys being able to fish, sing songs and spend time with her friends.

Wells said she has friends who somewhat understand what she goes through each day, but it’s “pretty amazing” to spend a few days with other children who are battling cancer or are cancer survivors, because they really understand what it’s like.

“They encourage me to keep fighting and never give up,” Wells said.

Sadikiem McCullough of Landrum started coming to camp when he was 4 years old. McCullough, now 8, is known to most of the long-time volunteers as “Little Man” and loves coming to camp. He said he likes the nature walks with Rayner, getting to hold snakes and spending time with the other children there.

McCullough said the Children’s Security Blanket means everything to him and his family.

“It’s important, because it gives me everything I need,” McCullough said.

By sceneon7 staff March 29, 2017, 8:00 pm
(http://wspa.com/2017/03/29/4th-annual-cribbs-kitchen-burger-cook-off/)

Who can make the best burger in town? We will find out at the 4th Annual Cribbs Kitchen Burger Cook-off this Saturday!