Camp Sunshine welcomed families from Louisiana to its campus in Casco, Maine, for a special, free winter session!

 

New Orleans, LA/Casco, ME (March 7, 2025) – Life-threatening illnesses, including brain tumors, blood disorders, genetic diseases, and grief, do not follow seasons, nor does Camp Sunshine. Families navigating these challenges deserve moments of joy, connection, and respite all year round.

 

That’s why Camp Sunshine introduced a brand-new winter session, providing children with serious illnesses and their families the chance to experience the magic of winter on Sebago Lake, where the sun shines, whether the thermometer reads 80 or -8 degrees.

 

During this special week, Camp Sunshine, in partnership with Ochsner Children’s Hospital, welcomed 90 family members from Louisiana for an unforgettable experience, completely free of charge.

 

A Mardi Gras Meets Maine Experience

"We were thrilled to welcome Louisiana families to Camp Sunshine through our new partnership with Ochsner Children’s Hospital. This session blended the joy of Mardi Gras with the beauty of Maine’s winter landscape, offering families a much-needed break from the challenges they face. From festive celebrations to cozy fireside moments, this experience was designed to bring respite, community, and joy all at no cost to families," said Joanne Bean, RN, BSN, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of Camp Sunshine.

 

Bean also expressed gratitude to Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans, for her generous support to assist with transportation costs. “It is thanks to the generosity of many donors that Camp Sunshine can ensure that every family who wishes to attend can do so and Mrs. Benson’s help with this session in particular is deeply appreciated.”

 

Winter Wonderland on Sebago Lake

Nestled on 24 acres of lakeside property in Casco, Maine, Camp Sunshine is a year-round retreat where families find strength in community. Attendees of this winter session enjoyed classic New England winter activities, including building snowmen, ice skating and snowshoeing, sipping hot cocoa by a roaring fire and so much more.

 

These simple yet profound moments become cherished family memories, reinforcing Camp Sunshine’s mission to provide hope and healing through shared experiences.

 

About Camp Sunshine

Camp Sunshine provides hope, joy and community through unique experiences for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. At our pristine campus on Sebago Lake in Casco, Maine, more than 60,000 children, siblings, parents and caregivers from all 50 states and 27 countries have come together for fun-filled, year-round sessions with families just like theirs. Thanks to the incredible support of donors and volunteers, Camp Sunshine programs are 100% free. Camp Sunshine is where families can focus on recharging, together, in a safe space with medical support available. Camp Sunshine is where families discover a community who understands. Camp Sunshine is where families find family. www.campsunshine.org