Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States, and for many families, getting treatment means costly travel far from home. In North Carolina, there are only seven pediatric oncology hospitals, none with all the latest treatments. Children often travel to Houston, Philadelphia or New York for lifesaving treatment.

Focused on treatment access, Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (CCP) reduces this financial strain for families in North and South Carolina by providing transportation, lodging and meals for children receiving cancer treatment and their families.

A recent grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation (OBCF) has further lessened this burden for children in Dare County.

“We are essentially a childhood cancer safety net,” said CCP executive director Laura Allen. “Our organization was already helping children and families on the Outer Banks, and this is just the beginning of a new partnership of support.”

Victoria and Ross Botson of Southern Shores, whose daughter Gwendalyn died after a two-year battle with stage 4 cancer, expressed gratitude for CCP’s support. “It’s a really good partnership,” said Ross Botson. “It helped a lot with the back-and-forth expenses during treatments.”

“As a Community Foundation Board Member, I knew instantly that this grant to CCP would make a difference for local families. As a healthcare administrator, I am grateful for organizations like CCP who do everything they can to make a very difficult situation just a little easier,” stated Ronnie Sloan, OBCF board member and president of Outer Banks Health.

Founded in 2001, CCP now serves all counties in North and South Carolina. Last year, CCP helped more than 2,100 children and is expected to assist more than 2,400 this year. “We want people to know that Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas will be at your side,” said Allen.

The full Outer Banks Community Foundation story by Michelle Wagner about Children’s Cancer Partners of North Carolina can be found online at obcf.org/childrens-cancer-partners/.

Community Enrichment Grants are awarded four times per year. The next application deadline is Friday, October 25. Nonprofits must submit an online application to be considered for a Community Enrichment Grant.

For more information about Community Enrichment Grants, go to OBCF.org.

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