Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge partners with national foundation to bring innovative programs to SE Louisiana

Cancer Services is thrilled to partner with The Moyer Foundation to bring Camp Erin to South Louisiana this fall. Camp Erin® is the largest national network of free bereavement camps for children ages six to 17 who have experienced the death of someone close to them. Created by The Moyer Foundation, this camp includes traditional camp activities combined with professional support that helps children begin to heal and learn to cope.

“In addition to feeling sad, scared, angry and confused, children grieving the loss of a loved one or often feel a tremendous sense of isolation from their peers,” says Karen Moyer, who started The Moyer Foundation in 2000 with her husband, Jamie, former World Series champion pitcher.

“We’re tremendously grateful to our partners and the communities here for welcoming us to Louisiana. We’re dedicated to working together to reach as many kids as possible in an area that has seen so much suffering over the past decade,” said Moyer.

Located in nearly 50 cities nationwide, Camp Erin is offered annually, with South Louisiana’s inaugural session scheduled for Nov. 6-8 at Camp Abbey in Covington, LA.

More Information:

Camp Erin

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 1.5 million children are grieving the death of a parent in the U.S., and countless others face the death of a relative, friend or someone else close to them. Children rarely receive formal counseling for their grief, and research indicates these children are at a much greater risk for depression, suicide, poverty and substance abuse.

“A child should never grieve alone,” said Jill Roshto, CEO of Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge. “By finding comfort in the company of others who understand what they’re going through and learning some proven coping skills, kids who come to camp get to be kids again, and hope can return to their lives. We’re happy to welcome the Camp Erin network to Southeast Louisiana so that we can further support children in our community.”

Created in 2002 by The Moyer Foundation, Camp Erin is led by grief professionals and trained volunteers. The fun, familiar environment of camp is combined with planned activities that give children a chance to honor their loved ones, express their feelings, and make lasting friendships with peers facing similar experiences.

About Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge

Cancer Services mission is to improve life for those living with cancer.  With over 50 years of experience, Cancer Services serves the emotional, financial and educational needs of individuals and families living with, through and beyond cancer – always free of charge.

About The Moyer Foundation

The Moyer Foundation is a public, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to provide comfort, hope and healing to children affected by loss and family addiction. Founded in 2000 by World Series champion pitcher Jamie Moyer and his wife Karen, The Foundation created and supports two signature programs. Camp Erin® is the nation’s largest network of free bereavement camps for grieving children and teens ages 6 – 17. Camp Mariposa® is a free, first-of-its-kind program for children ages 9-12 impacted by a family member’s addiction. For more information on The Moyer Foundation and its programs, please visit www.moyerfoundation.org.