Local man named Champion for camp for childhood cancer survivors

Camp Casco Champions program seeks to raise money through physical challenge

  Camp Casco, a nonprofit organization offering free camps and socials for childhood cancer patients, survivors and siblings in New England, is proud to announce that Jishnu Saha of Malden, Mass., has been named a 2023 Camp Champion. Camp Casco’s Camp Champions program, which is presented by New England Applied Products, supports childhood cancer patients and survivors while taking on New Hampshire’s epic Presidential Traverse: a 23-mile hike reaching seven of the state’s 4,000+ foot summits. The Champions will conquer this challenging hike together over just two days, braving some of the harshest weather in the world. Each Champion will raise $1,600, the equivalent of sending one child to camp for an entire week. While at camp, children affected by childhood cancer get the opportunity to experience independence, take on new challenges and make friends with other kids who have been through similar challenges, all while supported by a round-the-clock medical team and a one-to-one counselor-to-camper ratio.

  After offering virtual programs throughout the pandemic, Camp Casco looks forward to welcoming kids back to camp in person this summer after completing a successful 2022 camp season with no COVID cases. Camp Casco selected an elite group of 12 impressive athletes from six states for the group’s third annual challenge, each hiking in honor of an individual camper for summer 2023. This annual event returns on June 2-4, 2023, after a socially distanced inaugural hike in 2020 and two successful in-person hikes in 2021 and 2022.

  Camp Casco CEO Erin Fletcher Stern explains, “Our 2023 Camp Champions have been training for months to prepare for this incredibly challenging hike. This trek is filled with ups and downs and is extremely physically and emotionally demanding, much like the experience of childhood cancer. Through this hike, our Champions come together to challenge themselves and support each other, mirroring the magic of our summer camps and helping to give this transformative experience to more deserving kids fighting cancer this summer.”

  Saha is a second-time Camp Champion and long-time Camp Casco counselor. “I am very excited to be a 2023 Camp Champion because I am a big believer that Camp Casco’s programs provide kids affected with cancer a place to grow, make friends, and have fun! This is a community that they can turn to for meaningful friendships and support,” said Saha.

  Donations can be made at www.campcasco.org/jishnu-saha, and an anonymous donor will match donations through June 4, 2023.

  About Camp Casco: Camp Casco is a nonprofit organization that offers amazing camp experiences that build lifelong connections for childhood cancer patients, survivors and their families. Campers get the opportunity to have fun, challenge themselves, try new things, meet friends who understand their struggles, and, above all, become part of a community where they truly belong. All programs are provided at no cost to families, including meals, transportation and round-the-clock medical care. The organization hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including annual week-long summer camps, fun family socials, and yearly fundraisers to support its efforts. Learn more at www.campcasco.org.