Children’s Security Blanket helps families support a child with cancer
Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas awarded for program excellence by United Way of the Piedmont
Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (CCP), formerly The Children’s Security Blanket, was recently selected to receive a Program Excellence Award from the United Way of the Piedmont for its work in supporting children battling cancer in Cherokee County. The awards are given to the agency whose program ranked the highest in each of the United Way’s priority areas: education, financial stability, and health.
CCP is the recipient of a three-year grant administered through the United Way of the Piedmont, which invests in programs and initiatives that are creating real impact in local communities. Awards are presented to agency grantees after a careful, volunteer-led selection process.
Receiving the recognition from the United Way of the Piedmont comes at the end of a year of dramatic expansion for CCP. Started in 2001, CCP grew from a project of the Spartanburg Breakfast Optimist Club. The organization first existed to help families in Spartanburg County, SC but has now expanded its reach to encompass families throughout all of North and South Carolina.
Children are referred to CCP by social workers at their pediatric oncology treatment centers. After identifying specific needs, CCP continues to partner with them until the child reaches the age of 21. The nonprofit provides food, transportation and lodging for families who often have to travel to obtain the lifesaving treatment their children need.
“We recently changed the name of our organization to express clearly our service to the entire Carolinas, where over 600 new pediatric cancer diagnoses are made each year,” explained Allen. “Our mission remains the same – getting all children to lifesaving cancer treatment regardless of family circumstances.”
The mission of Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas is to provide comprehensive support and loving compassion to families whose children are battling cancer to improve their overall quality of life. The organization serves children and families throughout SC and NC. www.childrenscancerpartners.org
864-582-0673
Photo Cutline:
Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (CCP) recently received a Program Excellence award from the United Way of the Piedmont for earning the highest ranking in one of the agency’s three priority areas, health. Present at the award presentation were (L-R): Paige Stephenson, CEO of United Way of the Piedmont (UWP); Tammy Bright, Cherokee County Relationship Manager; Laura Allen, CCP Executive Director; Sheila Ingle, CCP Board Chairperson; and Cierra Fowler, UWP Campaign Director.
Children’s Cancer Partners of The Carolinas provides Christmas to families fighting cancer
Children’s Cancer Partners of The Carolinas provides Christmas to families fighting cancer
Posted: Dec 05, 2017 11:49 PM EST
Updated: Dec 06, 2017 12:18 AM EST
By Brandon LaVorgna
SPARTANBURG, SC (FOX Carolina) –
It’s been one tough battle for 4-year-old Colt Becker. He’s been taking neuroblastoma head-on for more than three years.
The Becker’s “Secret Santa,” this year has been Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas.
“This organization has been extremely helpful for us,” said Kathy Becker, “We would probably not have made it through the last year alive without them.”
Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas helps to cover the costs to help families get their child to treatment. Like Colt, he has to go all the way to New York for his treatments almost monthly.
“We’ve had to go at least a dozen times over the last 12 months,” said Mrs. Becker, “They’ve helped us with every trip and it’s been absolutely a God send.”
Laura Allen, the group’s executive director, says expenses like travel, food and lodging can add up quickly especially when the hospital bills start coming in. Usually the children can be treated in the Carolinas or Georgia, but in unique cases like Colt’s, the family must travel even farther, which just causes the costs to skyrocket.
“We partner with the families when the child is diagnosed and we get the referral from the hospital until a child turns 21,” explained Allen, “So there’s a lot that goes on through the course of those years.”
That’s why Allen along with all the volunteers made sure Santa paid a visit to Spartanburg where they held their Christmas spectacular.
“Tonight, there is no cancer,” said Allen, “Tonight is about Santa. It’s about Christmas. It’s about fun. It’s about our kids.”
A moment out of busy year the Becker family will truly cherish.
“Kids don’t know which way to go first. To be able to get that quality time with Santa, the family pictures, to be able to do crafts and all that, they’re having a blast,” said Kathy Becker.
For more information on Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas click here.
Children fighting cancer treated to an early Christmas
By Chris Lavender
Staff Writer
Posted December 5, 2017 at 9:00
Updated December 5, 2017 at 9:07
Children fighting cancer treated to an early Christmas
More than 100 families with children battling cancer celebrated Christmas early Tuesday night at the Spartanburg Marriott, taking a respite from the everyday struggles they face in fighting the disease.
Horse carriage rides, a visit with Santa Claus and family photos were part of the Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas’ Christmas Spectacular event. The Spartanburg-based organization, formerly called The Children’s Security Blanket, serves children and families throughout South Carolina and North Carolina.
Avery Wilson, 11, of Lincolnton, N.C., attended with her mother, Crystal Wilson. Since Avery was diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukemia in April, the family has traveled once a week to Charlotte for medical treatments. Children’s Cancer Partners has helped the family during the process.
“For this holiday, they have had a big donor and they gave gift cards and offered to pay some of our bills for Christmas so we can focus on our family,” Crystal Wilson said. “They have helped us a lot this holiday.”
Children’s Cancer Partners CEO Laura Allen said the event is among the organization’s biggest nights of the year.
“This is a night when children can be children and celebrate Christmas and not think about all the challenges they go through,” Allen said. “About 600 children in the Carolinas are diagnosed with cancer each year, and we work to make sure they have access to care.”
The organization doesn’t get involved in diagnosis or treatment but does offer financial assistance with lodging and travel for families seeking care at facilities nationwide. Children’s Cancer Partners serves more than 200 children in the Carolinas.
Cindy and Brian Weathers of Woodruff celebrated their daughter Ella’s successful cancer treatment Tuesday night.
“It’s been surreal,” Cindy Weathers said. “Ella was diagnosed July 3, 2014, with leukemia. She is in remission now. The last time she was checked, she had no signs of leukemia. The diagnosis at her 18-month wellness check threw us for a loop and turned our world upside down. We didn’t know what to expect.”
Children’s Cancer Partners was encouraging throughout the treatment process, Weathers said.
The organization renamed itself in November and decided this year to expand its services to North Carolina and beyond the Upstate.
Children up to 18 may be referred to Children’s Cancer Partners by social workers at their pediatric oncology treatment centers. After meeting with the child and their family to identify needs, the organization partners with them until the child reaches 21
Children battling cancer enjoy Christmas Spectacular
By WSPA Nickelle Smith
Published: December 5, 2017, 11:05 pm Updated: December 5, 2017, 11:33 pm
Children battling cancer enjoy Christmas Spectacular
SPARTANBURG, SC (WSPA) – It was a ‘Christmas Spectacular’ for families who share a common journey with cancer. The event in Spartanburg was hosted by the Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas so children battling cancer could enjoy a night with their siblings and parents.
“Have some fun and don’t worry about the past,” said Brian Weathers.
He and wife Cindy attended with their children Matthew, 9, Grace, 5, and Ella, 4. Ella was diagnosed with Leukemia at 18 months.
“She also had to have chemo injected into her spine,” said Cindy Weathers. “Heartbreaking. It was definitely heartbreaking.”
It’s a familiar feeling for all the other families attending the event at the Spartanburg Marriott.
The Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas wanted to put their worries on hold.
“I love these kids – they are all role models,” said Executive Director Laura Allen. “Love to see the joy and the smiles on their faces because sometimes when I see them in the hospitals, I don’t see that joy.”
The organization – formerly known as The Children’s Security Blanket – hosted the Christmas Spectacular for about 500 children battling cancer or in remission, their siblings and parents.
“For our children, we want them to have a little bit of reprieve from their daily battle driving to and from the hospital, getting chemo treatment,” said Allen.
There were arts and crafts, face painting, family portraits, carriage rides, and a visit with the jolly elf himself.
Each child also got gift cards for themselves their siblings and for their parents. Allen says an anonymous donor made the Christmas party happen last year and this year.
“The financial burden on a family with cancer is tremendous,” said Allen. “Our children who are battling cancer who are in active treatment are all receiving up to a thousand dollars of their December bills paid.”
Families are getting long term support like a Christmas that’s a little merrier.
“Once treatment stops, it’s not over. It’s really not. You are in a better place but you’re always worried about relapse,” said Cindy Weathers. “It’s going to be part of her life forever, part of our lives forever.”
The Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas serves about 200 families in South Carolina and North Carolina after starting out in Spartanburg County.
“We recently changed the name of our organization to express clearly our service to the entire Carolinas, where over 600 new pediatric cancer diagnoses are made each year,” said Allen. “Our mission remains the same – getting all children to lifesaving cancer treatment regardless of family circumstances. Our new name more accurately explains whom we serve, why and where. We truly partner with cancer treatment professionals and the families through every step of the difficult childhood cancer journey.”
If you’re interested in making a donation, click here to visit their website or call 864-582-0673.
Christmas event planned for children battling cancer
By WSPA Staff,
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (PRESS RELEASE) Christmas should be a magical time for young children but for those battling cancer and served by Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (CCP) it is often a time full of hospital stays, painful treatments and sleepless nights.
On December 5th, CCP will help to ensure these brave children remember how to “just be kids” and their families experience more joy and less worry for the holidays.
“CCP’s December 5th event will be more than just a Christmas party, it will be an opportunity for children undergoing treatment
and their siblings to forget cancer for a moment and just enjoy this very special time of year,” explained Executive Director Laura Allen. “Families served by CCP will gather, share in festive cheer and gain encouragement and hope for the future of their loved one as they meet survivors and connect with others fighting similar battles.”
CCP, formerly known as The Children’s Security Blanket, is creating a holiday celebration for the children they serve unlike any they have ever experienced. These children and their siblings will be treated to horse drawn carriage rides, a festive holiday dinner and presents galore. Families will join in Christmas caroling, games and crafts before having special holiday family portraits made. CCP
clients will also receive everything they need for a full Christmas dinner at home.
In addition to the Christmas gathering, CCP’s families with a child undergoing active treatment will have their spirits lifted and burdens lightened in another way as well. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor the nonprofit has funds to cover many rent, utility, car and insurance payments for families during December, eliminating some of the financial worries that often accompany the holidays.
“Holidays can be stressful under the best of circumstances,” said Allen, “Caring for a child who has cancer can put a huge strain on families, making the emotional and financial demands of holiday time especially hard. This donor’s amazing gift will make it possible for us to alleviate financial pressure for these families so they can focus on enjoying a memorable Christmas with their precious children.”
The amazing and heartwarming Christmas celebration will cap off a year of dramatic expansion for Children’s Cancer Partners. Started in 2001, Children’s Cancer Partners grew from a project of the Spartanburg Breakfast Optimist Club. The organization first existed to help families in Spartanburg County, S.C. but has now expanded its reach to encompass families throughout all of
North and South Carolina.
Nearly 500 of these children and family members are expected to enjoy CCP’s Christmas Spectacular. Children up to age 18 may be referred to CCP by social workers at their pediatric oncology treatment centers. After meeting with the child and their family to identify specific needs, CCP continues to partner with them until the child reaches the age of 21. The nonprofit provides food,
transportation and lodging for families who often have to travel to obtain the lifesaving treatment their children need. The group also offers tremendous emotional support, special events and other resources that enrich the lives of the children, parents and siblings.
“We recently changed the name of our organization to express clearly our service to the entire Carolinas, where over 600 new pediatric cancer diagnoses are made each year,” explained Allen. “Our mission remains the same-getting all children to lifesaving cancer treatment regardless of family circumstances. Our new name more accurately explains whom we serve, why and where. We truly partner with cancer treatment professionals and the families through every step of the difficult childhood cancer journey.”
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (PRESS RELEASE) Christmas should be a magical time for young children but for those battling cancer and served by Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (CCP) it is often a time full of hospital stays, painful treatments and sleepless nights.
On December 5th, CCP will help to ensure these brave children remember how to “just be kids” and their families experience more joy and less worry for the holidays.
“CCP’s December 5th event will be more than just a Christmas party, it will be an opportunity for children undergoing treatment
and their siblings to forget cancer for a moment and just enjoy this very special time of year,” explained Executive Director Laura Allen. “Families served by CCP will gather, share in festive cheer and gain encouragement and hope for the future of their loved one as they meet survivors and connect with others fighting similar battles.”
CCP, formerly known as The Children’s Security Blanket, is creating a holiday celebration for the children they serve unlike any they have ever experienced. These children and their siblings will be treated to horse drawn carriage rides, a festive holiday dinner and presents galore. Families will join in Christmas caroling, games and crafts before having special holiday family portraits made. CCP
clients will also receive everything they need for a full Christmas dinner at home.
In addition to the Christmas gathering, CCP’s families with a child undergoing active treatment will have their spirits lifted and burdens lightened in another way as well. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor the nonprofit has funds to cover many rent, utility, car and insurance payments for families during December, eliminating some of the financial worries that often accompany the holidays.
“Holidays can be stressful under the best of circumstances,” said Allen, “Caring for a child who has cancer can put a huge strain on families, making the emotional and financial demands of holiday time especially hard. This donor’s amazing gift will make it possible for us to alleviate financial pressure for these families so they can focus on enjoying a memorable Christmas with their precious children.”
The amazing and heartwarming Christmas celebration will cap off a year of dramatic expansion for Children’s Cancer Partners. Started in 2001, Children’s Cancer Partners grew from a project of the Spartanburg Breakfast Optimist Club. The organization first existed to help families in Spartanburg County, S.C. but has now expanded its reach to encompass families throughout all of
North and South Carolina.
Nearly 500 of these children and family members are expected to enjoy CCP’s Christmas Spectacular. Children up to age 18 may be referred to CCP by social workers at their pediatric oncology treatment centers. After meeting with the child and their family to identify specific needs, CCP continues to partner with them until the child reaches the age of 21. The nonprofit provides food,
transportation and lodging for families who often have to travel to obtain the lifesaving treatment their children need. The group also offers tremendous emotional support, special events and other resources that enrich the lives of the children, parents and siblings.
“We recently changed the name of our organization to express clearly our service to the entire Carolinas, where over 600 new pediatric cancer diagnoses are made each year,” explained Allen. “Our mission remains the same-getting all children to lifesaving cancer treatment regardless of family circumstances. Our new name more accurately explains whom we serve, why and where. We truly partner with cancer treatment professionals and the families through every step of the difficult childhood cancer journey.”
http://wspa.com/2017/12/04/christmas-event-planned-for-children-battling-cancer/
The Children’s Security Blanket announces new name reflecting dramatic expansion across the Carolinas
upstatebizSC
November 14, 2017
upstatebizsc.whosonthemove.com/pressreleases/childrens-security-blanket-announces-new-name-reflecting-dramatic-expansion-across-carolinas/
Organization Enters New Phase of Growth with New Brand Identity
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Children’s Security Blanket has changed its name. The 16-year-old Spartanburg-based nonprofit remains dedicated to helping children battle cancer, but has adopted a new name, Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (CCP), that conveys it’s dramatically larger service area. The new identity also reflects its efforts to partner with community agencies and funders, and the families of children battling cancer by providing funds for food, lodging and meals associated with cancer treatment, as well as compassion and support.
“Our new name expresses clearly our service to the entire Carolinas and our continuing mission to provide comprehensive support and loving compassion to families whose children are fighting cancer in an effort to improve their overall quality of life,” said Children Cancer Partners’ Executive Director Laura Allen. “Our new name accurately relays the relationship between our organization and each of the families we serve. We truly partner with these families through every step of the childhood cancer journey. The hope and love we offer struggling families is also vividly depicted in our new logo.”
Started in 2001, Children’s Cancer Partners grew from a project of the Optimist Club. The organization first existed to help families in Spartanburg County, S.C. but expanded its reach in 2016 to encompass families throughout both North and South Carolina. Children up to age 18 may be referred to CCP by social workers at their pediatric oncology treatment centers. After meeting with the child and their family to identify specific needs, CCP continues to partner with them until the child reaches the age of 21.
CCP’s new identity was revealed at an event in Spartanburg on November 13th. At the event CCP program participants, Catherine Brown, Jermeca Jackson and Mekayla Gist, shared the compelling story of how the organization lessened their families’ burdens as they battled cancer. Brown’s daughter, Naomi, and their family have benefited from partnering with CCP. Jackson’s daughter, Mekayla, is in remission and volunteers with CCP as she takes classes at Greenville Tech.
“Our new identity relates the love and compassion shared by our organization, which is continuing to grow its reach to serve more and more families in need,” explained Sheila Ingle, Chairman of the Board for CCP.
“The founder of The Children’s Security Blanket, Tom Russell, remains a valuable member of our team and works with our organization to help our brave children and their families,” shared Allen. “We will continue to expand on the strong foundation that Tom and other staff, volunteers and donors have built as we increase our capacity to help more families in the Carolinas during their time of crisis.”
Volunteer and staff leaders at CCP worked with Upstate marketing and public relations firm DNA Creative Communications to craft the new brand identity. Generous donors have supported the agency’s expansion and rebranding efforts.
About Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (formerly The Children’s Security Blanket)
Located in downtown Spartanburg, SC, the mission of Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas is to provide comprehensive support and loving compassion to families whose children are battling cancer to improve their overall quality of life. The organization serves children and families throughout South Carolina and North Carolina. Donations to the agency are tax deductible. For more information on CCP, please visit www.childrenscancerpartners.org or call 864-582-0673.
Children’s Security Blanket changes name
GoUpstate.com
The Children’s Security Blanket has changed its name in a move that organization officials say more accurately represents the group’s goals.
The Spartanburg-based nonprofit, dedicated to helping children fighting cancer, is now the Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas. The new identity reflects an effort to work with more community agencies and partners to help ease the financial burden of Upstate families with children who have cancer, the organization said.
“Our new identity relates the love and compassion shared by our organization, which is continuing to grow its reach to serve more and more families in need,” Sheila Ingle, chairwoman of the organization’s board, said in a statement.
Last year, the nonprofit expanded its focus to both North and South Carolina.
Children up to 18 can be referred to the group by social workers at pediatric oncology centers. The organization helps pay for food, lodging and meals for families during treatments.
The Children’s Security Blanket Announces New Name Reflecting Dramatic Expansion Across the Carolinas
Contact:
Janice Baddley
[email protected]
864-230-3888
Press Release November 13, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Children’s Security Blanket Announces New Name
Reflecting Dramatic Expansion Across the Carolinas
Organization Enters New Phase of Growth with New Brand Identity
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (November 13, 2017) – The Children’s Security Blanket has changed its name. The 16-year-old Spartanburg-based nonprofit remains dedicated to helping children battle cancer, but has adopted a new name, Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (CCP), that conveys it’s dramatically larger service area. The new identity also reflects its efforts to partner with community agencies and funders, and the families of children battling cancer by providing funds for food, lodging and meals associated with cancer treatment, as well as compassion and support.
“Our new name expresses clearly our service to the entire Carolinas and our continuing mission to provide comprehensive support and loving compassion to families whose children are fighting cancer in an effort to improve their overall quality of life,” said Children Cancer Partners’ Executive Director Laura Allen. “Our new name accurately relays the relationship between our organization and each of the families we serve. We truly partner with these families through every step of the childhood cancer journey. The hope and love we offer struggling families is also vividly depicted in our new logo.”
Started in 2001, Children’s Cancer Partners grew from a project of the Optimist Club. The organization first existed to help families in Spartanburg County, S.C. but expanded its reach in 2016 to encompass families throughout both North and South Carolina. Children up to age 18 may be referred to CCP by social workers at their pediatric oncology treatment centers. After meeting with the child and their family to identify specific needs, CCP continues to partner with them until the child reaches the age of 21.
CCP’s new identity was revealed at an event in Spartanburg on November 13th. At the event CCP program participants, Catherine Brown, Jermeca Jackson and Mekayla Gist, shared the compelling story of how the organization lessened their families’ burdens as they battled cancer. Brown’s daughter, Naomi, and their family have benefited from partnering with CCP. Jackson’s daughter, Mekayla, is in remission and volunteers with CCP as she takes classes at Greenville Tech.
“Our new identity relates the love and compassion shared by our organization, which is continuing to grow its reach to serve more and more families in need,” explained Sheila Ingle, Chairman of the Board for CCP.
“The founder of The Children’s Security Blanket, Tom Russell, remains a valuable member of our team and works with our organization to help our brave children and their families,” shared Allen. “We will continue to expand on the strong foundation that Tom and other staff, volunteers and donors have built as we increase our capacity to help more families in the Carolinas during their time of crisis.”
Volunteer and staff leaders at CCP worked with Upstate marketing and public relations firm DNA Creative Communications to craft the new brand identity. Generous donors have supported the agency’s expansion and rebranding efforts.
About Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (formerly The Children’s Security Blanket)
Located in downtown Spartanburg, SC, the mission of Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas is to provide comprehensive support and loving compassion to families whose children are battling cancer to improve their overall quality of life. The organization serves children and families throughout South Carolina and North Carolina. Donations to the agency are tax deductible. For more information on CCP, please visit www.childrenscancerpartners.org or call 864-582-0673.
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Spartanburg school dist. “goes gold” to raise awareness about childhood cancer
WSPA
By Diane Lee,
http://wspa.com/2017/09/29/spartanburg-school-district-goes-gold-to-raise-awareness-about-childhood-cancer/
SPARTANBURG CO., S.C. (WSPA) – This year alone, 10,000 children under 15-years-old will be diagnosed with cancer in the US.
To raise awareness, every school in Spartanburg School District 1 participated in a day of “going gold.”
The hallways and classrooms had a little extra sparkle, Friday, as people wore shirts, hats, even gloves that were gold.
But what really captured the spirit of the day, was the gold cape worn by Campobello Gramling 2nd grader, Seven Bullard.
“The nurse made it and she put an M on the back for Markus,” said Bullard.
Markus Morris was her brother. He died of Leukemia in 2014.
“They made this, because they wanted him to fight, they wanted him to be a hero.”
Today, it’s students like Bullard that are heros, as well as 5th grader Paige Melick, who went to the Principal’s office last week with an idea on how to make “going gold” even more brilliant.
“At first I was scared to go in there cause I didn’t know what was going to happen,” said Melick.
“Her big idea was, lets do more than just wear gold. Can we have a service project that goes along with this campaign. How do you say no to that, I mean it came from a kid,”said Campobello Gramling School Principal Jeremy Darby.
Melick helped Campobello staff and parents raise a thousand dollars today for a non-profit that helps kids with cancer called Children’s Security Blanket.
“When the community heard about the fundraising cause, an anonymous donor even offered to match everything the staff has raised.
Bullard had the courage to talk about her brother’s passing.
“He died at his make a wish trip, in the hotel,” she said.
Sometimes it takes a child or two, to remind you, that even though tragedy is part of life, it’s the hearts of gold that keep memories alive, and inspire us all to make the world a little brighter.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are or how tall you are or what grade you are in, you just have to believe in yourself and encourage yourself and it will happen,” said 10-year-old Melick.
Children’s Security Blanket helps families support a child with cancer
Upstate Parent
Chris Worthy, Contributing Writer Aug. 7, 2017
http://www.upstateparent.com/story/news/health/2017/08/07/childrens-security-blanket-helps-families-support-child-cancer/104375698/
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the uphill battle ahead extends to everyone in the family. The Children’s Security Blanket aims to ease that burden.
CSB started in Spartanburg in 1999 as a project of the Optimist Club.
“I came across this particular charity a little over 2 ½ years ago,” said Laura Allen, CSB’s executive director. “They had been serving children only in Spartanburg County for 14 years.”
The organization expanded its reach in 2016.
“Now we serve all of South Carolina and the entire state of North Carolina,” Allen said.
CSB helps meet the practical needs of families supporting a child with cancer.
“It’s devastating for any family to have a child diagnosed with cancer,” Allen said. “It’s life-threatening to a family without resources.”
When funds are already stretched beyond the limit, even relatively small expenses can prevent a child from getting access to care. The money it takes to buy gas to drive to treatment or lunch during their stay may simply not be available. Some children require specialized care in other states.
“We make sure they can get there,” Allen said.
Some families find that they need to travel for the first time in their lives. CSB helps them learn to navigate airports and deal with other issues that many take for granted. Needs are personal and varied, like the mom who was sleeping on the couch because there was no bed for her.
“We sat down and figured out the barriers,” Allen said.
Families may need extraordinary help or just a hand with items like baby wipes. And the need continues to grow.
“In this last year, we have added 100 children to our program and that’s before we added all of North Carolina,” Allen said “It’s devastating. We have so many families who are working and making minimum wage.”
Add in the extra gas needed to travel to medical appointments 10 – 20 times in a month and Allen said the burden can be crushing.
“We hug our families and we wrap them in hope and love,” she said.
Children receive a literal security blanket from CSB, but it stands for so much more.
“They actually get a blanket,” Allen said. “That is a symbol for us wrapping them in hope and love.”
In addition to meeting individual needs, CSB sent 50 children – some of whom are siblings of children with cancer – to summer camp. It was a brief time of normality in an otherwise constant focus on medical needs.
“Their ports are exposed, their wigs come off – they get to be kids,” Allen said.
While 82 percent of the families served by CSB are at or below the poverty line, Allen said any child diagnosed with cancer is welcomed into their programs.
“They are all part of the same ugly club of cancer,” she said.
The group sponsors a monthly family night in Spartanburg, with the hope of expanding to other areas of the Upstate. Families have a nutritious meal, children have a craft and parents can engage in facilitated conversations about what they are facing. The cost of gas to attend can even be reimbursed if needed.
CSB is always in need of financial contributions, prepaid Visa and gas cards and personal care items (toothbrushes, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, etc.) that are not covered by the SNAP program. But perhaps most of all, Allen said families need to know CSB exists as a resource.
“We meet with every single family to understand each family’s unique situation,” Allen said. “The biggest challenge is people don’t who we are.”
To learn more, visit www.childrenssecurityblanket.org or call 864-582-0673.