The event will be livestreamed with opportunity to engage with others impacted by skin disease on social using #20YearsofWonder
WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Oct. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- To recognize World Skin Heath Awareness Day, on the evening of October 14 Niagara Falls will light up green and blue to recognize the Children's Skin Disease Foundation's (CSDF) Camp Wonder, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children and families impacted by skin disease. The celebration comes on the heels of CSDF's 20th anniversary and Camp Wonder's return to an in-person experience for campers this past July. The Falls will be livestreamed so families and friends can see the illumination from home, and are encouraged to post selfies sharing their memories at Camp Wonder using #20YearsofWonder.
Skin disease in children results in physical pain, some requiring hours of medical care per day, and with that also comes emotional burden due to their appearance. Francesca Tenconi, founder of CSDF, was diagnosed at age eleven with pemphigus foliaceous, a rare skin disease that left her constantly feeling different and isolated. Her experiences drove her to create CSDF in 2000, and Camp Wonder launched a year later. The camp offers experiences aimed at enriching the lives of thousands of children impacted by chronic skin disease and empower them to have a childhood without limits.
"I wished for The Children's Skin Disease Foundation and Camp Wonder for my 16th birthday and am proud that 20 years later, we're still able to help kids overcome the challenges of their skin disease and celebrate their uniqueness," said Francesca Tenconi, Founder and President of CSDF. "This past July, at a time when our campers and families needed the supportive experience of Camp Wonder more than ever, we were thrilled to reunite our community with in-person camp for a fun-filled week of friendship, laughter, and encouragement."
Children with skin disease often live a buried life – either by clothes or under bandages to hide their fragile medical conditions. For one week, Camp Wonder offers an escape and allows them to surround themselves with children that look and feel the same way they do, because under all the layers they are kids that want to experience life without feeling isolated.
"I can't begin to express my gratitude to Camp Wonder for providing my daughter an empowering experience of acceptance, where she now feels part of a supportive community and has friends, she now holds so dear," said Jen Adkins, parent of Camp Wonder attendee. "In addition to their incredible programming, CSDF truly understands the emotional and financial burden that children's skin disease can have on families. Thank you for investing in the lives of our beautiful kids."
CSDF operates solely on donations and raises money to provide the empowering experience of Camp Wonder at no cost, including travel, recognizing that families already take responsibility for most of the financial burden of medical treatment. To offset these costs, each year the organization hosts a charity event -- The Wonder Run 5K Run/Walk, founded in 2015 by Galderma. This year's event, taking place on December 4, 2021, will be held virtually and feature appearances by Camp Wonder's beloved mascot, Wonder Duck, completing the run on his treadmill. All proceeds from the race will go directly to CSDF and Camp Wonder.
"Camp Wonder is truly a magical experience for children impacted by skin disease to play sports, go swimming, climb a rock wall, do arts and crafts, go to the "prom" - activities these kids might not otherwise never get to experience because skin diseases cause discomfort, pain, disfigurement, disability, and shame," said John Donofrio, CSDF board member and President of EPI Health.
Wonder Wish, an initiative that grants wishes to Camp Wonder families, was created in 2017 to bridge the time between camp each summer. Every camper that has participated in Camp Wonder since 2001 can make a wish.
"Being able to provide the Camp Wonder experience and grant wishes at no cost to the families is so rewarding and we're grateful to all of those who donate to make Camp Wonder and Wonder Wish a reality each year," said Todd Zavodnick, CSDF board member and CEO of Dermavant.
For more information or to donate to the cause, please visit www.csdf.org.
ABOUT CHILDREN'S SKIN DISEASE FOUNDATION
Skin disease results in much physical pain, some requiring several hours of medical care per day. Additionally, children with skin disease experience emotional pain as a result of their appearance. Children's Skin Disease Foundation's (CSDF) mission is to improve the lives of children with life-threatening and chronic skin disease and their families by offering wonderful experiences that will enrich their lives and empower them to have a childhood without limits.
ABOUT CAMP WONDER
Camp Wonder is a week-long, overnight summer camp for children and young adults residing in North America who have chronic and life-threatening skin disease. Each year, 100 children and young adults, and 150 staffers come together to experience a community of support; one that celebrates uniqueness rather than focusing on looking different. Camp Wonder provides a safe, nurturing environment filled with positive energy and acceptance so campers can be comfortable in their skin, rather than singled out for being different. CSDF covers all costs associated with camp, even travel, because the families are already burdened by heavy medical expenses. No family pays for their child to attend Camp Wonder.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Francesca Tenconi
Founder and President
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 925-947-3825
Rachel Ferretti
Media Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
SOURCE Children’s Skin Disease Foundation
Share this article