Brain Tumor Survivor's Family Finds Value in Gullikson Foundation Camp Scholarship
The Riley Family, who's third of four children is a brain tumor survivor, benefitted from a scholarship provided by the Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation for two of its children to attend Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times.
Grenada Hills, CA (PRWEB) March 3, 2005 -- A serious illness to one family
member affects an entire unit. That’s why Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times
welcomes children with cancer, their siblings and parents to one of the largest
year-round recreational programs at its facility at Mountain Center’s Apple
Canyon Center near Idyllwild, Calif.
The camp’s
ability to provide a free fun-filled medically supervised camp experience for
these children depends on the generosity of supporters like the Tim & Tom
Gullikson Foundation. Since 1997 the Foundation has provided scholarships for
children affected by brain tumors to attend camp and enjoy experiences other
kids may take for granted.
“It is really
important that kids who are brain tumor survivors have fun and be kids,” said
Rosemary Gullikson who serves as the Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation
President and is the widow of tennis professional and coach, Tim Gullikson.
“Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times is a safe venue with medical care where
children can have some of the same experiences that healthy kids and their
siblings do. Just the ability to develop socially at camp is a lifetime
benefit.”
The Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation
was founded by tennis professionals Tim & Tom Gullikson and their families
after Tim was diagnosed with brain tumors in 1995. At the time of diagnosis, Tim
Gullikson was coach to No. 1 ranked Pete Sampras. His goal in teaming with his
family to create the Foundation was to help brain tumor patients and their
families manage the physical, emotional and social challenges presented by the
disease.
The Riley family of Granada Hills,
Calif., knows the benefits of such support. Hospital visits, it says, can be
physically and emotionally draining. Bolstered by scholarships provided by the
Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation, Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, it
found, is a place to enjoy friendship, fun and adventure.
Peter Riley was once a curly red-haired boy who
loved dinosaurs and Legos. He was only five years old, but his mother dreamed
the super-sized dreams that many parents do – a Super Bowl MVP or as a scientist
who traveled the world and beyond. It wasn’t long, however, before Kathy Riley
craved ordinary things for her son: a high school diploma, true and lasting
friendships, a driver’s license and a first love. The third of four children,
Peter Riley was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1993. Now 17, Riley, who
struggles socially and is limited intellectually and physically, continues to
enjoy activities such as backpacking, rock climbing and other activities that
make him feel like he can conquer the world, but only under the guidance of
professionals at Camp Ronald McDonald for Good
Times.
“As a parent, I’m grateful to the
Gullikson Foundation for providing brain tumor kids with a chance for adventure
at camp that they’d never be able to experience anywhere else,” Kathy Riley
said.
The Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation, a
not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, assists brain tumor patients and their
families deal with the physical, social and emotional challenges presented by
the illness.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/3/prweb214001.htm