Dee Ahearn
CEO, Barretstown
Barretstown is Ireland’s largest provider of medically endorsed therapeutic camps and programmes for children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses.
Founded in 1994, by the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, this year, Barretstown celebrates its 30th anniversary. This is a significant milestone for the organisation which has, to date, supported more than 125,000 children and family members, with plans to double that by the end of the decade.
Camps rebuild emotional wellbeing
Barretstown’s mission is to rebuild the lives of these children and their families through the provision of therapeutic camps and programmes underpinned by robust research. Every child with a serious illness should enjoy their childhood and our essential therapeutic camps and programmes are a vital part of a child’s illness journey, supported by 24/7 medical care at our 500-acre campus.
We provide a range of life-changing therapeutic residential programmes, including camps for families, children, teens, siblings and young adults, as well as bereavement support. Our outreach programmes are also delivered in hospitals and schools across Ireland.
When a child is diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, it is devastating for both the child and family. The normal routine of life is paused and overtaken by hospital visits, treatment plans, medication and dealing with the physical and emotional impact of this life-altering event. The transformative power of our programmes helps rebuild confidence, independence and self-esteem.
The transformative power of our
programmes helps rebuild confidence,
independence and self-esteem.
Free medically endorsed therapeutic camps and programmes
All programmes are provided free of charge to children and their families, with delivery funded by Government (4%) and donations, corporate giving and philanthropy (96%). Barretstown must raise €9 million this year to deliver its essential programmes.
The services and supports provided by the Kildare-based charity align with the objectives of the National Cancer Strategy to cater for the psychosocial wellbeing of children and teenagers impacted by cancer.
Essential psychosocial support for children
According to Professor Owen Smith, Consultant Paediatric Haematologist, CHI@Crumlin and Barretstown Medical Patron: “Their research-informed and medically endorsed therapeutic programmes play a major role in a child’s recovery journey. We know that the impact of the programmes remains with people for life and are regarded as an important component in helping many go on to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.”
An independent social impact and social value report published earlier this year to mark this anniversary found that Barretstown’s therapeutic programmes for children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses since 1994 equate to some €1.9 billion in social value. While hospital treats the illness, Barretstown treats the child.
Find out more at www.barretstown.org
