In 2010, $1.25 million in Children's Art Project proceeds were given to fund the following patient programs:

•Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Program
•Camp A.O.K (Anderson's Older Kids)
•Child Life Program
•Creative Arts Program
•In-Hospital Education Program
•Annual Rehabilitation Ski Trip
•Camp Star Trails for young patients and their siblings
•College Scholarships for current & former patients
•Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance
•Evening/weekend activities for pediatric & adult patients
•Arts in Medicine Program
•Family Centered Care Program
 

Child & Adolescent Life Program

The Child & Adolescent Life Program is an integral component of the team approach to treating a pediatric patient. Child Life specialists work with children in both the inpatient and outpatient areas and also with many adolescents who are being treated in adult services at
MD Anderson. These specialists use therapeutic interventions such as play, age appropriate education and activities; offer emotional support during procedures; and offer medical play and preparation for medical procedures and surgeries. They plan and implement daily activities and recreational programs to normalize a child's stay in the hospital and in the outpatient clinic. Activities include parties, field trips, special teen activities, movie night, BINGO and Teen Grill.

Educational Programs

With Children's Art Project funds, young patient educational needs are met in a variety of ways. Two hospital classrooms equipped with educational materials and computers enable pediatric and adolescent patients to continue their schoolwork during treatment. The Continuing Learning Activities in Summer Session (C.L.A.S.S.) Program helps patients maintain their educational skills during the summer through tutoring and educational field trips.  Through the School Liaison Program, an Educational Coordinator visits patients' home schools to educate teachers and fellow classmates about the patients' experience, ensuring a smooth and positive reintegration into the classroom. The English as a Second Language Program provides books, audiocassettes, flash cards and other materials to non-English-speaking patients. Children's Art Project funds also provide for the art classes, a "Writers in the Schools" program, and a music therapy program and special educational field trips.

College and Graduate School Scholarships

Since 1984, current and former patients pursuing their educational dreams have received scholarship funds for college and graduate school. With aspirations of becoming accountants, physicians, artists teachers and more, many young patients have earned degrees with Children's Art Project funds. For the families of these students, the cancer experience takes a devastating financial toll, and these scholarships are vital to help finance their children's college educations.

Camp Star Trails

Hundreds of young cancer patients and their siblings have attended Camp Star Trails, an overnight summer camp established in 1983 in keeping with MD Anderson's emphasis on normal childhood experiences and development. Since cancer touches the lives of each family member, the pediatrics staff believes it is important that siblings have the opportunity to share in all aspects of patient treatment and recreation. Campers ages 5-12 enjoy fishing, canoeing, swimming, arts and crafts, softball, basketball, cooking, soccer, archery, nature study, drama and science experiments. Each year, some 150 youngsters from across the country attend the one-week session of Camp Star Trails, held at Camp For All in Washington County, Texas.


Camp A.O.K.

Camp A.O.K. (Anderson's Older Kids) was established in 1988 for adolescent patients and their siblings. This overnight summer camp offers swimming, fishing, tennis, horseback riding, golf, photography, arts and crafts, basketball, softball and volleyball — all uniquely targeted to fit the needs of teenagers coping with cancer. Each summer, some 50 campers ages 13-18 attend Camp A.O.K., held at Camp Fred A. Lennon near Magnolia, Texas.

Ski Trip

Each winter since 1982, 10-15 physically-challenged patients have traveled to Utah or Colorado to overcome their physical limitations on the ski slopes. Accompanied by physicians, nurses, Child Life specialists and volunteers, these young patients enjoy skiing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling and fellowship. The patients build self-esteem while mastering new challenges.

Pediatric Parties

Magicians, musicians and other special guests have entertained pediatric patients and their family members since 1978. Bringing joy and laughter to the children, these parties have become an MD Anderson tradition and a welcome diversion from clinic appointments and hospital stays.

Writing and Music Therapy Programs

In 1992, Children's Art Project proceeds began providing writing and music therapy programs to encourage young cancer patients to express themselves while enhancing their self-esteem.  Writing workshops are taught by professional writers to improve patients' basic communications skills, provide them with emotional release and enhance their academic performance. Music therapy enables children to use music as a means of group interaction, self-expression and entertainment.

Beauty/Barber Shop

The Beauty/Barber Shop located at MD Anderson, provides shampoos and sets, cuts, shaves, wigs, scarves and turbans to patients free of charge. Volunteers teach patients how to care for their scalps and hair, and they offer special makeup tips to camouflage discolorations resulting from treatment. The Children's Art Project began funding the Beauty/Barber Shop in 1987. Almost 8,000 patient visits are made annually to the shop for free hair care, wigs, scarves and hats.

Other Patient-Focused Programs

Funds from Children's Art Project sales support a variety of other patient-focused programs, from pediatric parent dinners to rehabilitation guides to pediatric bereavement programs. In total, $1.25 million in project proceeds will be awarded in 2010 to programs that are made possible only through the support of the many volunteers, customers, friends and young artists who, together, have created the Children's Art Project.