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Camp Happy Days asks legislature for $300,000 to expand services for children with cancer
Summary
Camp Happy Days representatives and families asked the subcommittee for $300,000 in state support to offset rising site costs and serve more children and families across South Carolina; program partners and a child beneficiary described year-round services and transport support for families.
Camp Happy Days asked the Healthcare Subcommittee for a $300,000 appropriation to continue and expand free summer and year-round programs for children diagnosed with cancer and their families.
Representative Paul Petalino, who was on the floor to introduce the group, said Camp Happy Days serves children across the state; Miss Cindy (Camp Happy Days staff) told the committee the request rose from higher patient numbers and increased facility costs. “All of those are cost free to these families,” she said, describing shuttle service to the largest site and other year-round supports including teen and family weekends and meal-delivery partnerships for recently diagnosed families.
Miss Aubrey, a seven-year-old camp participant, described camp in her own words: “Cancer was hard to go through, but at least I'm still here,” and told committee members she enjoys the rock wall, prom and year-round programming.
Why it matters: Camp Happy Days said the organization served 792 children in the most recent year and that costs rose after Camp Bob Cooper, the largest site, increased rent. The group asked for $300,000 this year, up from $250,000 the prior year, to preserve capacity and cover transportation and lodging needs that enable children from all counties to attend.
Committee response: Members praised the program’s effect on children and families and encouraged site visits. Representative Hosey, who spoke emotionally about the program’s impact, invited committee members to tour camp.
No formal vote was taken during the session.
