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Visiting
Putnam Lions and Leos visited Camp Rising Sun recently. Left to right: Putnam Lion and Leo Adviser Al Cormier with Leo Club Vice President Jozzlynn Lewis, Leo Club President Mikayla Van Dam, and Lion Greg King. Courtesy photo.
PUTNAM — In August the Putnam Lions and Leo Club Officers took a trip to Camp Rising Sun, “a free camp for children who have been diagnosed with cancer.” The visit took place during the 30th birthday celebration of the camp.
District 23-C, Lions in Middlesex, New London, Windham, and Tolland counties, support many local foundations, service projects and other positive enterprises, including Camp Rising Sun. The visit in August allowed local Lions and Leos to see what their hard work and significant contributions are able to provide.
Putnam Lion Greg King said there were approximately 115 children at the camp, ranging in age from 6 to 18. King said, “It was an eye-opening experience to see these kids having a great time...most of the year they are suffering from side effects of cancer. Much of their life is spent in treatment to cure their cancer. Some have lost limbs and most have chemo on a regular basis, causing them to be ill a lot of the year.”
King added, “Several oncologists donate their time each year in order to be with these kids at camp.”
Putnam Leo Club president Mikayla Van Dam said the experience was a great one and that the group was given a tour by a long-time camper, currently in remission.
“We have decided to look into donating more as an individual club,” she said. “I think it was really nice to see what exactly we are donating to. The tour was great because we were able to see the children having fun and that they really enjoy themselves being there.”
Putnam Lion and Leo Adviser Al Cormier, agreed, recounting the pleasure it gave him to see children able to just be children – “swimming, canoeing, going down zip lines.”
In August, District 23-C was proud to contribute nearly $40,000 to Camp Rising Sun. Since 1987, District 23-C Lions have supported the efforts of the camp – a non-profit organization with a volunteer staff, including medical personnel, no overhead and dedicated counselors (many of them former campers). No child is turned away. The cost of sending one child to camp is approximately $1,800. A gala fund raising event at the Port and Starboard Room at Ocean Beach has been planned for November in order raise funds to support children attending the summer camp.