What is PCF Camp-a-thon?

Every year during their camp season, campers raise money to benefit children with cancer by participating in any type of activity. There are many activities you and your campers can choose from to create your own Camp-a-thon. Some of our campers have chosen to run, walk or bike; have a tennis/pickleball match; play basketball, football or baseball; create an arts and crafts project, a dance marathon or even a sing-along.  The possibilities are endless, and the choice is yours!

We are excited to welcome back our proud supporters: Camp Ramaquois, Trails End Camp, Camp Lenox, Camp Taconic and Camp Towanda. These amazing camps and their directors by paving the way to teach their campers the importance of kids helping kids!

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If your camp would like to participate and join in our mission, please call us at 914-825-4004 for more information.

This year, the funds raised through Camp-a-thon will support two critical pediatric cancer research programs: 

  • Drug Delivery Program for Pediatric CNS tumors at Columbia University Irving Medical Center--discovering new methods to safely deliver medicine directly to brain tumors.
  • The Pediatric Oncology Early Phase Clinical Trials Program at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore provides access to innovative therapies for children with relapsed or treatment-resistant cancer.

These hospitals, along with many others supported by Pediatric Cancer Foundation, are at the forefront of advancing treatments for pediatric cancer and bringing hope to families. 

Our Impact

Pediatric Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which is recognized both nationally and internationally for its contributions to pediatric cancer research. We grant funds for treatment, research projects and acquisition of equipment needed specifically for the field of pediatric cancer.  We support world renowned doctors at the following oncology institutions: New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital/Columbia University Irving Medical Center; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at NYU Langone Health; Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research/Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York, Northwell Health; Maria Ferrari Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center; The Tisch Cancer Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Health System; The Ohio State University College of Medicine;  Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Johns Hopkins University; Children’s Hospital at Montefiore; The University of Michigan Medical School and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

History of the Camp-a-thon

In 1996, Natalie and Arthur Kessler, owners and directors of Camp Ramaquois, developed a program where "Children Swim for Children." Their concept was to have their campers become involved in helping other children. The Kesslers selected Pediatric Cancer Foundation as the best organization for their initiative, since donations raised would be allocated specifically to help children with cancer. This program, which involved their campers, families, and staff members, raised thousands of dollars for pediatric cancer research.

Pediatric Cancer Foundation then expanded this Camp-a-thon fundraiser to include other camps. This program has gained momentum and has now become a summer tradition.  Now all of our camp families look forward to participating in and sponsoring PCF, all while teaching kids the importance of empathy and kindness.