Families battling childhood illness need more than world-class medicine—they need reasons to laugh today and look forward to tomorrow. The Casey Cares Foundation meets that need with a steady stream of uplifting programs that turn hospital rooms into dance floors and chemo weeks into mini-vacations. Keep reading to see exactly what Casey Cares does, why weekend getaways matter, and how you can help a child smile again.
What Is the Casey Cares Foundation?
Launched in Baltimore in 2000, the Casey Cares Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides ongoing, personalized experiences—“little“ moments, lasting memories”—to children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses and to their families. Unlike wish-granting groups that deliver a single event, Casey Cares stays with each family over time, sending boosts of joy whenever the medical calendar allows.
Core Programs That Lift Spirits Year-Round
All programs operate continuously, so no child waits months for relief:
- Family Festivities: Each family receives tickets three times per year to zoos, sporting events, concerts, or museums—plus parking, snacks and accessibility seating.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Birthday Blasts: Surprise deliveries of balloons, treats and gift cards make every birthday a milestone, even in-hospital.
- Kami’s Jammies: More than 183,000 pairs of soft pajamas have replaced scratchy gowns for children on extended stays.
- Hamper of Hope: Movie-night kits (streaming code, popcorn, candy, PJs) turn a sofa into a theater when immune systems keep kids at home.
- Traveling Care Cases: Pediatric nurses keep rolling suitcases stuffed with games, crafts and plush toys so every new patient gets an instant pick-me-up.
- Hammy’s Heart: Weekly grocery gift cards help families cover rising food costs while medical bills mount.
- Celebration Vacations: Donated beach houses, theme-park passes or resort weekends give families a custom getaway without paperwork or planning stress.}
- The Casey Cares Foundation adapts every activity to each child’s mobility limits, infection-control rules, and energy levels, making sure joy is also safe.
Celebration Vacations: Weekend Joy Without the Stress
Planning even a one-night trip is daunting when you juggle oxygen tanks, medication schedules and emergency contacts. Casey Cares handles the logistics—lodging, attraction tickets, even gas cards—so parents can focus on giggles, not Google Maps. Families report lower anxiety scores and stronger sibling bonds after just one three-day getaway.
Impact You Can Measure
- Over 1,600 critically ill children—and their siblings—are active in programs each year across eight states and Washington, DC.
- Since inception Casey Cares has delivered 150,000+ individual experience boosts ranging from zoo trips to pajama deliveries.
- According to the 2022 Form 990, 90 ¢ of every donated dollar goes directly to programming.
2025 Signature Events You Can Join
- Annual Gala – Feb 22 (Baltimore): inspirational stories, live art and silent auctions.
- Golf Tournament – Jun 2 (Cockeysville): fund care packages with every swing.
- Rockfish Tournament – Jun 6 (Chesapeake Bay): friendly competition on the water.
- 5K Run/Walk – Aug 2 (Maryland Zoo): lace up beneath the giraffe overlook.
- Rock ’N’ Roll Bash – Oct 25 (Towson): classic hits, local food and dancing—no formalwear required.
Five Easy Ways to Support the Mission Today
- Donate Online: Just $50 funds an entire movie-night kit.
- Join “Monthly Champions”: Recurring gifts guarantee three boosts per family every year.
- Volunteer: Pack pajamas, staff events or share your pro-photography skills.
- Corporate Partnership: Sponsor an event, match employee gifts, or underwrite a Celebration Vacation.
- Peer Fundraise: Turn birthdays or weddings into giving campaigns on the Casey Cares platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. The Casey Cares Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3); all cash and in-kind gifts are deductible as allowed by U.S. law.
Does the foundation grant one-time wishes?
No. Casey Cares focuses on frequent, smaller experiences that create consistent joy—not a single moment.
How are children referred?
Hospital social workers, oncology nurses or family members complete a brief online form; staff respond within 48 hours.
What is Hammy’s Heart?
A memorial program that sends grocery gift cards to families whose budgets are squeezed by medical costs.
Can my company host a group volunteer day?
Absolutely—teams can sort pajamas, wrap birthday gifts or run event registration desks.
Why Continuous Joy Matters
Short bursts of fun reduce cortisol, improve sleep and build resilience for children in treatment. Parents recharge, siblings feel included, and even clinicians notice brighter moods during check-ups. Each program uplifts the whole family.
A child’s diagnosis can freeze an entire family’s world—but thanks to the Casey Cares Foundation, hope and happiness keep moving. By donating, volunteering or simply sharing this article, you help pack the next set of pajamas, fund the next Celebration Vacation and prove that illness never cancels joy.
