Roundup River Ranch Receives $125,000 from John Wayne Cancer Foundation

AVON, Colo., July 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Roundup River Ranch, an organization that provides camp experiences to children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses completely free of charge, announced today that the John Wayne Cancer Foundation (JWCF) has awarded a grant for $125,000 to the camp. The money will be used to send 50 children with cancer and sickle cell disease to camp at Roundup River Ranch for a one-week session this summer. This marks the second year JWCF has sponsored a session at Roundup River Ranch.

"We are fortunate to receive the continued support of John Wayne Cancer Foundation and look forward to another great session," said Ruth B. Johnson, president and CEO of Roundup River Ranch. "At camp, as children enjoy our fun, safe, and empowering camp programs, they will also embody the cornerstones of JWCF's mission, bringing courage, strength and grit to the fight against cancer."

Ethan Wayne, son of John Wayne and director of John Wayne Cancer Foundation said, "The John Wayne Cancer Foundation is proud to continue its partnership with Roundup River Ranch. The power of camp in the lives of these children is transformative, and the impact of this grant becomes fully evident when you see the campers at Roundup River Ranch; they get to just be kids again." Wayne volunteered last summer at Roundup River Ranch with other members of his staff and he saw the educational, social, and medical benefit of camp.

At Roundup River Ranch, campers will enjoy a variety of traditional camp experiences, including archery, arts and crafts, boating and fishing, an equestrian program, nature and discovery, and more. The goal with these programs is to provide boosted self-esteem, renewed sense of hope and to enjoy the joys of childhood in a medically and emotionally supportive environment.

The camp session will be held from July 31^st through August 6, 2012 at Roundup River Ranch's facilities in Gypsum, Colo. This summer, Roundup River Ranch will serve approximately 425 children suffering from various chronic and life-threatening illnesses, always free of charge to the camper and their family.

About Roundup River Ranch

Roundup River Ranch is a member of SeriousFun Children's Network, a growing global community of innovative camps and programs that provide life-changing support to children with serious illnesses and their families founded by Paul Newman. Roundup River Ranch enriches the lives of children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses by providing camp experiences, with appropriate medical care, that are fun, safe, and empowering, always free of charge to the child and their family. Annually, hundreds of children coping with cancer, blood disorders, organ transplants, and other serious conditions benefit from Roundup River Ranch's intentional and empowering camp programs. Roundup River Ranch is located 2 and a half hours from Denver near Gypsum, Colorado along the Colorado River. For more information about Roundup River Ranch, visit www.RoundupRiverRanch.org or call 970.748.9983.

About John Wayne Cancer Foundation

Founded in 1985, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation was created in honor of John Wayne after his family promised to use his name to continue his fight against cancer. The John Wayne Cancer Foundation's mission is to bring courage, strength and grit to the fight against cancer. John Wayne Cancer Foundation funds novel and innovative programs that improve cancer patient outcomes and save lives including research, education, awareness and support. Get involved at JohnWayne.org.

SOURCE John Wayne Cancer Foundation