All About
the Long Term Survivor Program
Nearly 70 percent of children diagnosed with cancer now survive into adulthood. It is estimated that by 2010, one in every 250 adults under the age of 55 will be a childhood cancer survivor. With the number of childhood cancer survivors increasing every year and because there are few existing programs in Houston that focus exclusively on young adult survivors, in 2006 The Periwinkle Foundation began to develop a program for young adult survivors that addresses their unique emotional needs.
In 2008, Periwinkle held its first Long Term Survivor retreat. The attendees collectively stated that it was beneficial and important to them to have a safe place to share their mutual struggles and hardships and to discuss their unresolved feelings of being a survivor.
"It is a big relief to know that I am not the only survivor out there who has to jump though hurdles and break through walls to live a normal life. As a family, we can face these hurdles and walls together." - Long Term Survivor Retreat Participant
Based on feedback from the inaugural retreat, The Periwinkle Foundation began laying the groundwork for a robust Long Term Survivor program in which survivors will be empowered to develop and implement the programming. The program will include a yearly retreat and opportunities for survivors to share experiences, learn life skills and give back to the cancer community.
The Long Term Survivor Program also includes the annual Celebration of Life. Each year on a Sunday afternoon, The Periwinkle Foundation joins with Texas Children's Cancer Center and the Renaissance Hotel to host long term survivors and current patients with their families at this special celebration. The event provides families with an opportunity to gather together together in an uplifting environment away from the hospital routine. They enjoy cake, cookies, punch, activities and an inspirational speaker. One of the highlights of the party is the Camp Periwinkle slideshow, where many children see themselves having a ball at camp. Survivors share their stories of hope with families newly diagnosed and families currently experiencing cancer treatment. Approximately 200 children and adults attend this event each year and they truly celebrate life.
The Long Term Survivor retreat and other Long Term Survivor programming activities are free to participants.
Quick Facts
Contact:
Larry Geiger at
713.807.0191
About Celebration of Life
When:
February 6, 2011 from
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Where:
The Renaissance Houston
Hotel, 6 Greenway Plaza East (next to Lakewood Church)
Who:
Patients from
Texas Children's Cancer Center and their families
Everyone is invited whether
you are on therapy or off!
