"When my daughter was diagnosed, Wheels was there to comfort her. She built a relationship with the Wheels volunteers, she was so comforted by you all that she forgot all her pain. I am so grateful to Wheels for caring.” - Sunrise parent
Sunrise on Wheels
Have you ever seen a child not want to leave a hospital because they’re having too much fun? At Sunrise on Wheels, it happens every day!
Sunrise on Wheels is an innovative program that provides a day filled with Sunrise fun to children awaiting treatment in pediatric oncology units of participating hospitals. Volunteers wheel a rainbow trunk bursting with toys, games and activities right into many of our affiliated hospitals and change what could have been a bleak and depressing day into a day of camp fun!
Our Wheels program, which launched in 2009, currently brings fun to more than 2,500 children in 32 hospitals. Each Wheels location serves a large number of children ranging from toddlers to young adults. While the youngest are enjoying Legos, coloring and other age-appropriate activities, older children can participate in a lively game of UNO or intricate crafts. There are even electronic devices available for interactive gaming.
Sunshine from Sunrise
Whenever we become aware that one of our campers is hospitalized, parents can request a “Sunshine Visit”, from camp counselors or year-round camp staff, who will visit with a few special surprises and a cheery smile. They will sit at bedside and play with the child, share stories of camp days, and even give mom or dad a drop of respite so he or she can go home for a few hours, change clothes and maybe have a hot meal. The continuity from camp to bedside helps our children feel connected to their counselors, friends and fun, lessening the sense of isolation and fear that a hospital admission can bring with it.
Sunshine from Sunrise is just that – a burst of sunshine during the darkest times, bringing sighs of relief to parents and sounds of laughter from their children. It’s so simple to schedule a visit; all you need to do is call us!
To schedule a visit or if you have questions, please contact Sandor G. Haft, LMSW Director, Sunrise Day Camp 718.475.5274 shaft@sijc.com
