The Second Annual Camp Colleen
Aug 4, 2022
Colleen, while a volunteer with Red Shoe Society, proposed the idea of a day camp for families staying at Ronald McDonald Houses as a distraction from hospital visits and worry. Red Shoe has posthumously honored Colleen’s proposal by creating an annual Camp Colleen. August 4, 2022, was the Second Annual Camp Colleen at the Ronald McDonald house by Lurie Children’s Hospital. New in 2022 was the expansion of Camp Colleen to additional locations. Three other Illinois houses brought camp-themed fun to RMHC-CNI families by preparing a meal and giving out the same toy-filled backpacks.
Kristen Chen, Red Shoe Society, explains further:
“Colleen understood how important the charity’s mission was to keep families together so we are here tonight to honor her legacy by bringing the families of the Lurie House together tonight for summer camp on the rooftop so that we can engage with the families and let families spend some time together because that’s what Colleen would have wanted.”
“Colleen was always a giver.” Said her father, Mike. “Her whole life was about giving back to people.”
At the Ronald McDonald House for Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chef Kevin prepared a menu worthy of a cookout. Colleen Cares volunteers arrived at 9AM to begin preparing this meal from scratch. Soon delicious aromas filled the air as we hustled and bustled until lunch was served at noon.
Next, Red Shoe and Colleen Cares volunteers chalked colorful Camp Colleen welcome décor on Grand Ave. in front of the Lurie House. Many thumbs-up were offered by busy downtown walkers and some asked about Colleen’s story. Colleen proposed a Camp day because it was one of the few activities she missed as a heart-transplant patient.
Soon the time arrived to set up Camp Colleen on the Lurie House rooftop. The fun began when families arrived to enjoy camp crafts and foods. The music played while campers created sand art, butterflies, bracelets, birdhouses, and took photos near a tent photo opp. Colleen insisted on s’mores, of course! An ice cream bar added more sweetness. We especially thank the Barry Callebaut company for funding t-shirts and candy!
With her memorial stone at the center of the area, we felt Colleen’s presence throughout the day. “Working with the kids and their families made me feel Colleen’s smile,” shared Colleen’s aunt volunteering at the Lurie House.
Christine, Colleen’s mother, shares,
“Thank you to all my family and friends who helped with all locations! I truly hope to get many different people to volunteer each year so you can all see what this amazing organization does. I am so proud of my baby girl for coming up with this idea. And I can’t thank Red Shoe Society enough for doing this.”
One mom told me at the end of the evening, “This is exactly what I needed tonight.” I truly can say I understand what these families are going through, as can my husband and boys. I was extremely proud of all three of them. We are a team. We will continue Colleen’s dream and legacy.”
Another family that attended wrote: “Tonight we got to go to Camp Colleen at RMHC Chicago and Northwest Indiana. The boys had a blast at this amazing event! Colleen's vision of creating a fun night for kids receiving treatments and their siblings was carried on beautifully by her family, friends, and volunteers. [Our sons] made s'mores, did arts and crafts, and ate cupcakes & ice cream sundaes. They truly felt like they were back in the woods for a night!
If you feel so inclined, please donate to Colleen Cares and help them carry on this terrific event for years to come! "
At the three other expanded locations, Colleen Cares volunteers had purchased all ingredients for the night’s meal and brought their enthusiasm to the kitchen!
At the Advocate House in Oak Lawn, volunteer Chloe (center), a sorority sister of Colleen, said, “It was a really special day. We had a wonderful time!” Chloe surprised us by announcing that the cost of Advocate’s dinner prep will be covered by her employer, Dyson. Thank you, Dyson!
“Seeing Colleen’s vision come to reality was amazing! We definitely felt her spirit with us.” Said volunteer Bridgett (right-end) at the Comer House location. “We’re proud to be part of Camp Colleen 2022 and look forward to Camp Colleen 2023!”
At RMHC near Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, volunteer Bridget said, “We felt like we were cooking for family. Since the house doesn’t have a chef, the residents really appreciated the home cooked meal. We all left the house feeling like we helped make their day a little better!”
The comfortable, caring spaces that RMHC-CNI create for families is beyond impressive. Guests are referred by social workers at the hospital. Once they stay at RMHC, they are there for the duration of their medical care. The average stay is nine days, but they come again for follow-up visits. Some families have been there for years. Sadly, they are often at 97% capacity with families during the most trying times in their lives. When a RMHC is full, they are offered a room at an area hotel. All of this work is 100% privately funded. McDonalds funds 30%, while the remainder comes from other corporations and individuals. Colleen Cares is honored to continue contributing to this mission and Colleen’s causes as a Red Shoe volunteer.
Camp Colleen could not have happened without the generous support of all our additional donors. Our gratitude knows no bounds. Thank you for contributing to making Colleen’s dream come true and put needed smiles on many faces. Here’s to 2023 Camp Colleen!
