The Heart Connection Children's Cancer Programs is a not-for-profit organization which enhances the quality of life for children with cancer by providing programs for recreation, education, and family support.

Description:
The Heart Connection sponsors and provides the only week-long summer camp for children with cancer in Iowa, and offer a separate camp for their siblings one of the few offered nationwide. The camps are provided free of charge. The Heart Connection also provides support groups, outings to events such as Disney on Ice, and weekend retreats throughout the year. Our services are available to children diagnosed and/or treated in Iowa. The includes children from every corner of the state, as well as children from western Illinois and southeastern South Dakota.

History:
According to John Cornish, who lost his little brother in 1988 to cancer, "Cancer doesn't just hurt the person with the disease, it hurts the whole family." His little brother Danny was five years old when he lost his battle with the disease. Before he died, he painted a picture of a bright rainbow surrounded by sunlight, and with a heart at its center. He told everyone that it was for all his family and friends who brought sunshine, rainbows, and love to him during his illness. To this day, Danny's design serves as the organization's logo.
Our name "The Heart Connection" was adopted from the thoughts of a group of children who, after spending a week at camp, stated, "Whether we're healthy or sick, grown-up or a kid, we're all connected by the heart."

Contact person: Channon Timm, Community Relations Director - Eastern Iowa, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (515) 243-5232

Address:

1221 Center Street Suite 12 Des Moines, IA 50309 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.childrenscancerprograms.com