For most, the first 18 years of our lives are carefree and fun. Time is spent in school with friends, learning simple lessons and laughing.

Consider for a moment those who do not fit this mold - the children who battle disease. Little league games and pajama parties are replaced by bone marrow transplants and chemotherapy. Running is done in a wheelchair because strength is depleted. Simple lessons become extremely tough life lessons that rob them of their innocence and childhood.

A child with a life threatening illness becomes a ripple in the water, affecting the entire family structure. Quite often, at least one parent must leave the workplace focusing full attention on their sick child. The other parent may have to take on a second job; the other siblings may receive little attention. And unless there is support of some kind, each day is one of overwhelming medical, emotional and financial stress and anguish you can't even imagine.

The Casey Cares Foundation understands that although we can't cure the heart-wrenching illnesses, we can support the families in compassionate and creative ways. As one social worker states, "Your organization is like this little jewel that then gets placed in their lives to help provide opportunities for these children and their families to relax, laugh, celebrate, and be recognized as the special people they are."

The Casey Cares Foundation has a dedicated team of caring staff with years of experience in the field of helping critically ill children, many of who volunteer their time. The Casey Cares Foundation is dedicated to providing uplifting programs with a personal touch for critically ill children and their families.

Excerpt from The Casey Cares Foundation Website