The American Cancer Society (ASC) has selected YMCA Camp Reed to continue providing “the best week of summer” for children and their siblings living with cancer. In March, the National Office of the American Cancer Society announced it will no longer fund camps across the nation, including the local chapter known as Camp Goodtimes East. This change was made in order for the American Cancer Society to direct funds toward their key mission of cancer research. Thanks to broad based community support and the YMCA of the Inland Northwest, Camp Goodtimes East will continue providing a medically-supervised, week-long camp for children battling the effects of cancer, according to a press release. YMCA Camp Reed was the original host site of Camp Goodtimes, successfully hosting it for 20 years.
“This collaboration with the American Cancer Society creates a win-win for our community and speaks volumes about the collaborative spirit that exists among community leaders and organizations,” said Steve Tammaro, president and CEO of the YMCA in a press release.
The continuation of care from ACS to the YMCA has garnered wide-ranging community support including Ronald McDonald House Charities of Spokane, Coaches vs. Cancer in Spokane, Cancer Care Northwest, Rockwood Clinic, Providence Health Care and other community leaders. The YMCA of the Inland Northwest and supporters will ensure the local, free-of-charge camp will continue for local children fighting cancer in 2014 and beyond, according to a press release. Since its inception in 2002, Coaches vs. Cancer in Spokane, has raised over $1 million for the local camp and intends to continue raising the much-needed funds moving forward.
