By Carly Flahive

 This past summer, members of the Rangers for a Cure club took time out of their busy vacations to help those in need. Camp Sunshine, located in Maine, is “a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.”

Members of Rangers for a Cure volunteered this past August during the week of Lupus, to help give families a break and relieve parents from their tiring jobs of caring for their children 24/7. Volunteers also gave the patients support as they played games and participated in activities with them. And just as important, the siblings of the patients got attention from volunteers as well.

It was a rewarding week for these siblings as they were given a chance to be treated like kids again, instead of having to worry about their family and have to help care for their siblings. They did not have to worry about the health of their brother or sister and they got to receive  attention that parents typically can’t supply them as parents have a constant job of looking over their child with illness.

“Camp Sunshine was one of the best experiences that I have had and couldn’t be happier that we got to go as a club,” commented Katie Bretta, vice president of Rangers for a Cure.  Bretta also mentioned how “the camp really puts things into perspective for everyone there, especially the volunteers and counselors.”

President Elizabeth Gallary seconded Bretta’s thoughts, “Camp Sunshine was an amazing experience and opportunity for Rangers for Cure members to come together and show support.  Many of us did not want to leave when the week was up, and we cannot wait to hopefully return next year and reconnect with some of the incredible people we met.”

Rangers for a Cure is ready to set out for another successful year as they begin planning their calendars for new fundraising and awareness events. With the school year back and ready to start, Gallary (Sr.) and Bretta (Jr.), are both looking forward to another exciting year full of accomplishments.

They state, “We are hoping to go above and beyond what we accomplished last year, and we really want to continue to show our support to those affected by cancer in our community, in addition to raising money for research and spreading awareness as we did last year.”

Upcoming Event for Rangers for a Cure:

Rangers Tackle Leukemia September 27,  WHS Turf

Look for upcoming event dates to and come show your support!