Special Love Inc.

Background

Special Love, Inc. began in 1983 under the direction of Tom and Sheila Baker of Winchester, Virginia. Special Love was originally established as the non-profit sponsor of Camp Fantastic, a week-long summer camp for children with cancer. Since its inception, Special Love has also come to provide weekend programs for both the families of cancer patients and for young adults who are undergoing cancer therapy. Ongoing contact with program participants keeps members of the Special Love "family" in constant communication with one another. Special Love programming now extends throughout the year.

How Special Love Helps

Camp Fantastic

The first of Special Love's programs, Camp Fantastic is a week-long camping experience in August for children ages 7 to 17 who have been treated for cancer within the past three years. Camp is held at the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center, located four miles south of Front Royal on Rt. 604.

Young Adults with Cancer

YAC serves the needs of young adults, ages 18 to 25, who have undergone cancer treatment. YAC provides an opportunity to share the cancer experience and is open to patients who are currently on therapy or who have been in remission for years. A summer weekend program is offered at the 4-H Center in Front Royal; "YACers" are also eligible for a ski weekend, held in January.

BRASS

BRASS (BRothers And SiSters) was formed in 1987 to meet the needs of siblings of cancer patients. A special fall weekend at the 4-H Center is available to siblings 9 to 17 years old and provides a chance to get away and share with other brothers and sisters. A whole new support network emerges within the sibling group as they relate to common challenges and similar experiences.

Family Weekends

Several family weekend retreats are scheduled each year, with programs designed to be both relaxing and informative. Informal conversation contributes to much of the learning as new participants share stories with those who have been in similar circumstances. The basic theme is simple: "You are not alone."

Additional Offerings

Special Love also offers day trips to amusement parks, baseball games and other events. A holiday party in December invites all Special Love participants to share holiday cheer, while a quarterly newsletter keeps track of each season's activities. Special Love provides emergency financial relief to families whose medical costs have left everyday expenses out of reach. And in 1995, Special Love offered Dianne and Alan Kay Scholarships of $1000 each to five of their Young Adults with Cancer, enabling them to pursue post-secondary education at schools in Maryland and Virginia.

How You Can Help

With your tax-deductible contributions, you can help make it possible for Special Love to offer support programs to these very special people. And because all of Special Love's funding comes from private individuals and groups, you really do make it possible.

For more information on how to make a donation, please go back to the "NIH Charities" page.

For more information on Special Love Inc., call (540) 667-3774 or write to: Special Love Inc., 117 Youth Development Court, Winchester, Virginia 22602.

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