Until there's a cure ... there's UKANDU

BRINGING HOPE, JOY, AND CONNECTION TO COMMUNITIES IMPACTED BY CHILDHOOD CANCER

Who We Are

We recognize that cancer impacts the entire family and we aim to provide parents and caregivers a respite from the physical, emotional and financial toll childhood cancer poses to families.

We help families find respite while helping their children to reclaim classic childhood experiences - all 100% free of charge.

 

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The Problem

Our Impact

Hear From Our Community

"Sabina, who has just wrapped up 9 months of intensive chemotherapy and surgery for Osteosarcoma, told me that Camp Ukandu was the first time she felt like she "fit in and belonged."  She said it was pure magic to meet other kids who actually know first-hand what it's like to go through what she has....even more than we do, as her parents. Which is true!  And it was wonderful for them both to see kids in their various stages of cancer survival, being joyful, playful and being KIDS!"


- UKANDU Parent

"Everyone just welcomed us in. And the feeling of being welcomed and trusting new people was very new for us. You're not known as that kid with the cancer - the girl with the bald head. It's cancer camp, but like for us, it's just camp. Everyone just gets it. The feeling of not having to be worried about being a burden and knowing everyone is just watching over me - taking care of me. It's our UKANDU family."

- UKANDU Participant

"I think camp is important to parents... because we're fighting two battles. We're fighting for our kids' lives. But we're also fighting for their spirit. I was desperate for someone to put a smile on his face. I wanted help with that. Being able to release him to Camp UKANDU where we knew he was going to be taken care of medically - and we knew we were going to get help reviving his spirit was a huge blessing and a relief."

- UKANDU Parent

"There they are – they’re fighting their battle. And here I am, helpless and alone. But when I came here, I met all the other siblings. I’ve met so many friends who were siblings and we’ve been able to share experiences. It makes me feel good, knowing I’m not the only one."

- UKANDU Participant

"The joy that they have to be here definitely permiates through. I can't even describe it. It's like asking me to describe love or hope. Camp has been completely life changing and just all the love and they joy and the passion that we as counselors and the campers bring is everthing I wish to encorperate in my daily life."

UKANDU Volunteer

Families who expierience a childhood or adolescent cancer diagnosis report higher levels of depression, anxiety, and instability.

For UKANDU Families

We know a cancer diagnosis is life-changing and each member of the family experiences their own 'cancer journey.' UKANDU is here for the entire family.

Whether you're ready for some outrageous fun, looking for a community of people who 'just get it,' or simply need a reminder that hope and joy exist - UKANDU is for you.

 

 

For UKANDU Volunteers

UKANDU is, first and foremost, a volunteer-driven organization.

We're so grateful for the hundreds of volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to providing families impacted by childhood and adolescent cancer hope, joy, and connection.

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The Latest

Purchase any item from Chocolat-e now through 2024 and 10% of the proceeds come back to UKANDU!… Learn more & Get Yours!

Wine & Dine is back on May 16th, 2024! With LePigeon, Kachka, Flaneur, Lingua Franca, and more in attendance, you're not going to want to miss this... Get Tickets

Applications for both Camp UKANDU and UKANDU Family Camp are live...apply here

Get Involved

UKANDU is, first and foremost, a volunteer-driven organization. We're so grateful for the hundreds of volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to providing families impacted by childhood and adolescent cancer hope, joy, and connection.

UKANDU programming is 100% free to all families. We rely on donations to from our generous community. Just one week of programming costs approximately $1500 per participant.

As with every non-profit, dollars are important. However, there are many ways you can support UKANDU in delivering hope and joy to our community. Find out more below.