Sunrise on Wheels
Sunrise on Wheels
At Sunrise on Wheels, we see this every day! Sunrise on Wheels is an in-hospital initiative that provides children with fun-filled excitement while awaiting and undergoing treatment in pediatric oncology units. Siblings and family members are always welcome to participate!
Sunrise on Wheels first launched at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in March 2022. We can be found at CHOP Main, CHOP Voorhees and CHOP King of Prussia. We are proud to operate 52-weeks per year with more than 2,000 interactions with children annually ranging from toddlers to young adults through 200 play sessions. Younger kids can be found giggling as they are creating huge towers with Legos and Magnatiles, coloring their favorite superheroes and cartoon characters, arranging action figures or making fun shapes with Play-Doh. Older children rush in to join a laughter-filled game of UNO with their favorite friends and volunteers, or may instead choose to delve into an intricate art project. And of course, everyone’s day may include “whipping up” some gooey slime!!
Sunshine from Sunrise
Whenever we become aware that one of our campers is hospitalized, parents can request a “Sunshine Visit”, from camp counselors or year-round camp staff, who will visit with a few special surprises and a cheery smile. They will sit at bedside and play with the child, share stories of camp days, and even give mom or dad a drop of respite so he or she can go home for a few hours, change clothes and maybe have a hot meal. The continuity from camp to bedside helps our children feel connected to their counselors, friends and fun, lessening the sense of isolation and fear that a hospital admission can bring with it.
Sunshine from Sunrise is just that – a burst of sunshine during the darkest times, bringing sighs of relief to parents and sounds of laughter from their children. It’s so simple to schedule a visit; all you need to do is call us!
To schedule a visit or if you have questions, please contact Executive Director Mark McElrath for more information at mark@horizondaycamp.org or 404-441-0558.