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Key people at Camp One Step by Children's Oncology Services, Inc.
Camp One Step by Children's Oncology Services, Inc is a Chicago, Illinois based nonprofit organization providing free year round camp programs and support services for children diagnosed with cancer and their families. Operating primarily across Illinois, Wisconsin, and the broader Midwest, the entity delivers educational and recreational experiences specifically tailored for pediatric oncology patients aged five to nineteen. The tax deductible 501(c)(3) organization maintains a workforce of twenty one to fifty employees and has successfully served more than 16,500 campers throughout its extensive four decade operational history. The executive leadership team includes Chairwoman Jan Kuklenski, Vice Chair Bill Strotman, and Chief Medical Advisor Doctor Jennifer Schneiderman of the Ann and Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Camp One Step by Children's Oncology Services, Inc was originally founded in the year 1978 by Doctor Edward Baum.
Key people at Camp One Step by Children's Oncology Services, Inc.
Camp One Step by Children's Oncology Services, Inc. is a nonprofit organization providing free year-round camp experiences for children (ages birth-19) with cancer, survivors, their siblings, and families, fostering joy, belonging, confidence, and lifelong friendships.[1][2][4] It offers 10 in-person camps and CONNECTED digital programs, supported by over 400 annual volunteers including medical professionals, serving more than 19,000 campers over 40 years while adhering to Gold Ribbon Accreditation standards from the Children’s Oncology Camping Association, International.[1][2]
The organization addresses the emotional scars of pediatric cancer—fear, anxiety, isolation—through inclusive, adaptive activities like swimming, sports, arts, and STEM, with on-site medical teams ensuring safety.[1][3][4] It empowers kids to reclaim childhood, build support networks, and feel whole as families, operating as a community rather than just seasonal events.[1][2]
Founded in 1978, Camp One Step by Children's Oncology Services, Inc. has evolved over more than 40 years into a comprehensive support system for pediatric cancer families in the local area.[1][2] It began as a response to the disruptions of cancer diagnoses—hospital stays, treatments, and social isolation—and grew to offer year-round programming, including the only local provider of 10 free in-person camps plus digital options.[1]
Key figures include Medical Director Susie Burke, who leads volunteer healthcare teams, and program leaders like Cara Noonan, a long-time volunteer turned coordinator, alongside executives such as Vice President Devin Ryan-Holanda and Director Jessica Hopper.[3][4] Pivotal growth includes expanding from summer camps to family, sibling, and digital programs, amassing over 100,000 volunteer hours annually and serving 19,000+ campers.[1][2]
Camp One Step rides the trend of holistic pediatric cancer care, integrating psycho-social support with medical oversight amid rising childhood cancer survival rates (now ~85% in high-resource areas), where emotional well-being affects long-term outcomes.[1][2] Timing aligns with post-pandemic demand for in-person reconnection and digital accessibility, countering isolation from treatments.[1][4]
Market forces like increased philanthropy for rare diseases and volunteerism in healthcare favor its model, as families seek normalized experiences amid financial strains.[1] It influences the ecosystem by setting standards via COCA-I accreditation, inspiring similar programs, and amplifying survivor voices through community-building, reducing stigma and fostering resilience networks.[2]
Camp One Step is poised to expand its digital CONNECTED programs and volunteer base, potentially scaling beyond local reach via partnerships, as hybrid models gain traction post-2025 health tech advances.[1][2][4] Trends like AI-personalized support and global oncology awareness will shape its journey, enhancing adaptive camps for diverse needs. Its influence may evolve into policy advocacy for pediatric psycho-social funding, solidifying its role as a lifelong community anchor—proving camp's magic endures, empowering the next generation of cancer warriors to thrive.[1][2]
