Camp Okizu: Volunteer Doctors and Pediatric Cancer Patients

Medical volunteers in California are contributing to a sense of community for children with cancer and their families, through Camp Okizu. The mission of Camp Okizu is “to help all members of families affected by childhood cancer to heal through peer support, respite, mentoring, and recreational programs.” So far, the feedback from families and children has been beyond positive. Doctors who volunteer report that the satisfaction they gain is also immeasurable.

Camp Okizu: Providing Light in the Dark

Summer camps are often utilized to create social support for children with chronic illnesses. Cancer increases stress on the family system and can make the diagnosed child as well as other family members vulnerable to anxiety, depression and isolation.

Okizu is a Sioux word which means unity, to come together, to heal, or to make whole. Okizu has been gathering support for its camp programs for 40 years. With medically supervised programs that aid pediatric oncology patients, their siblings and families, and bereaved children or allies, Okizu collaborates with Northern Californian pediatric oncology treatment centers to provide nature-based camp experiences but also peer support programs.

What’s more, out of empathy for the financial burdens of pediatric cancer, programs are free of charge. This allows children and families in Northern California and Northern Nevada access to camp regardless of socioeconomic status. The aim is to provide children with cancer with some of the normal, fun experiences that children with cancer so often miss out on, along with the support of peers who understand their experience.

Okizu offers a variety of camp experiences. Oncology Camp provides peer support focused on cancer patients. Family Camp is a time for children and their siblings or families to come together for recreational activities as well as peer support from others who understand the complexities of navigating pediatric cancer. SIBS Camp offers support and fun for the siblings of child cancer patients. Additionally, Bereaved Family Camp provides support for grieving family members as they navigate loss.

Med Tech Companies Give Back

Camp Okizu has some big supporters. One example is Molecular Matrix, founded in 2011 by now Chief Executive Officer and Chief Security Officer Charles Lee. The med tech startup is dedicated to developing innovative osteobiologic technology for orthopedic, spine, and trauma care, but also to improving the lives of those in need. “The principles of Molecular Matrix, Inc. have long believed that our mission on this earth has been to help provide medical technologies, services, and opportunities that make this world a better place,” Molecular Matrix Chief Operations Officer Jim Keefer told OTW.

Keefer shared, “Through one of our volunteers, we became aware of Camp Okizu, an organization that has touched so many people in so many ways, helping make very difficult challenges bearable. Their support for families and patients struggling with cancer provides hope and guidance that is rare to find. Their mission is so profound as to change the course of so many people who volunteer, leading them into a lifelong engagement in pediatric oncology, dedicating their lives to the care and support of these children and families.”

“This camp was lost to the fires in California. The pandemic further limited their reach, isolating these children and their families. Through tireless efforts of so many, the camp is re-emerging to continue their noble and compassionate work. Molecular Matrix, Inc., as well as many others, has vowed to contribute in every way possible to this essential endeavor. We seek to provide financial resources, educational activities, volunteers, fundraising efforts, and public relations activities to ensure this camp flourishes.”

Healthcare Providers Take Meaning Rrom Volunteering

Kent Jolly, M.D., a pediatric hematologist/oncologist, has volunteered at Camp Okizu intermittently for the last 32 years. “Okizu is amazing—because it’s so comprehensive,” he told OTW. “Family Camp, Sibling Camp, and Bereavement Weekends in addition to the core Oncology Camp—add so much more support to the families that participate, even if they only attend a portion of the programs available. In many ways, pediatric oncology is a journey, and both the children and the parents’ needs change over time—and the resources at Camp are available when they need them.”

We asked Dr. Jolly to share a favorite camp memory. He replied, “One week, an 8-year old came to camp—very much against his own wishes, howling when he was dropped off. He spent most of the first day moping in the Infirmary, finally made a friend on the 2nd day, and had such a good time by the end of the week that he howled again at having to leave! Best of all, he attended cheerfully for the next 9 years, and then became one of the most effective volunteer Counselors! And he still remembers how he hated being dropped off.”

Like other volunteers, Jolly has found personal meaning in this act of service. “It’s very rewarding and restorative to see these kids at Camp—thriving in such a different environment away from the clinic—to be reminded so forcefully that life can get back to normal for these kids who may have suffered so much when hospitalized.”

Susie Hanagan, B.S.N., C.P.O.N., “Nurse Susie,” was a professional in Pediatrics and Pediatric Oncology for 33 years and spent over 20 years volunteering as a nurse at Camp Okizu. “Okizu is special in so many ways, but most of all, it provides support and fun for so many kids and families who have experienced a rough time with a cancer diagnosis of the child. They meet other kids and families to share experiences that they have had with others who understand their journey,” Nurse Susie told OTW.

“I loved volunteering, because without competent medical staff, parents would never trust their children with special medical needs to be away from home. The kids gained so much independence during that week, that they left more confident in meeting new people, doing new activities and gained the ability to stay away from home and sleep under the stars. Back in the medical setting, they talked about their camp experiences all year long,” she shared. Nurse Susie also found the Camp Okizu volunteer process deeply rewarding.

“I really loved interacting with the amazing counselors—fabulous young adults that give a week of their time to make amazing memories for the kids of their time at camp. I loved the inclusive environment—young kids interactive with older kids and everyone accepting special needs of the other campers and staff. Okizu will always have a place in my heart,” she said.

Your Help Is Needed

Volunteers contribute over 100,000 hours each year in care, mentorship, support, and recreation to keep these programs free. In the summers, Okizu’s medically-supervised summer Oncology Camp, SIBS (Special and Important Brothers and Sisters) Camp, and Family Camp sessions all require a team of volunteer medical staff at each session of summer camp. Okizu relies on its medical staff and other volunteers to make these experiences possible. Camp Okizu is now accepting support for children and families navigating childhood cancer. If you are a doctor with services to share or a company or with products or medical supplies that can help, consider this opportunity.

Medical professionals volunteer with full hearts because they value building connections with the children and feel they can align with the Okizu mission. Children who would otherwise not have the opportunity are able to build skills, friendships, enjoy outdoor settings with peers, and create memories, all while in a safe and medically appropriate setting.

Michael Amylon, M.D. serves as Camp Okizu’s Medical Director and supervises camp medical staff. All camp medical care is additionally overseen by the local hospital pediatric oncology departments from the participating hospitals. Camp Okizu has gathered feedback from families over the years, which has helped inform the evolution of its programs. Testimonials on the camp website speak to the direct impact this charity has on children. “She has looked forward to going every year since she was 10. Thank you for being there so she had 1 week every year when she could relax and have fun,” one camp parent reported. This is the kind of heartfelt feedback that keeps volunteers coming back.

If you are a doctor, healthcare professional, or medical supply company with resources or skills to volunteer, reach out to Camp Okizu at http://okizu.org/volunteer/ to learn more.