History of the PCF Sportsathon

The mission of PCF's Sportsathon is to involve campers in ...holding the hand of a child stricken with cancer. Campers actively participate in a sports program, which results in raising funds for a specific piece of much needed equipment for children inflicted with cancer. Additional funds support pediatric cancer research, purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, patient care and programs.

In 1996, Natalie and Arthur Kessler, owners and directors of Camp Ramaquois, developed a program where "Children Swim for Children." Their concept was to have children participate and become involved in helping other children. The Kesslers selected Pediatric Cancer Foundation as the best organization for their camp because donations raised would be allocated specifically to help children with cancer. Launching the Swimathon, Camp Ramaquois developed a program, which involved their campers, families, and staff members who tirelessly raised thousands of dollars for pediatric cancer research.

Funds raised this summer of 2010 will be used to support PURIFICATION OF VACCINES FOR CLINICAL TRIALS. Pediatric Cancer Foundation has agreed to provide funding to produce new and innovative treatments, which are part of clinical trials as per government regulations. The costs associated with the production of these innovative treatment modalities regarding fusion proteins and production, purification and data analysis of vaccines are high and no government support for these trials is available.