Phoenix Children’s pledge to unfold over years, MITER officials say
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
MITER Foundation is making a $1 million pledge to Phoenix Children’s Camp Rainbow.
Camp Rainbow is an annual summer camp in Williams, Arizona, for patients of Phoenix Children’s who have, or have had, cancer or a chronic blood disorder. The camp is 100% funded by philanthropic donations and is provided at no cost to children and families, according to a press release.
“Camp Rainbow is an escape for patients. After what they’ve gone through, they deserve a week in a supportive environment filled with fun, meaningful experiences,” said Steve Schnall, Phoenix Children’s Foundation’s senior vice president and chief development officer.
“All of the work being done at Phoenix Children’s is vital to kids’ health, but Camp Rainbow heals kids in a different way than medicine does. It helps them to remember that they are still just kids. Without commitments like MITER’s, we couldn’t guarantee the continuation of Camp Rainbow and are deeply grateful.”
MITER Brands and MITER Foundation have been partners with Phoenix Children’s since 2019 and have supported various patient family programs and signature events. From window painting in the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD) waiting area at the hospital to volunteering at Camp Rainbow, local MITER employees give generously in a multitude of ways.
“Compassion is at the core of what we do at MITER Brands,” said MITER Brands’ Chief Operating Officer and Vice President Mike DeSoto. “We have seen the impact that Phoenix Children’s and Camp Rainbow have on the community and our team members’ families firsthand, and we are happy to support that in any way we can. These kids have been so strong and courageous throughout their treatment but Camp Rainbow offers them a chance to have fun and create lifelong memories.”
Camp Rainbow now serves over 100 children per camp session.
The week includes fun activities like a zip line and rock wall, arts and crafts, canoeing, fishing, swimming, archery, and more. Welcoming patients of Phoenix Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders means giving these kids the chance at a normal summer camp experience. During treatments they must be courageous and strong, but during the week at Camp Rainbow, the focus is on having fun and forgetting their diagnosis.
