Canton’s Fletcher named Camp Casco Champion

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 Marissa Fletcher of Canton has been named a 2023 Camp Champion.

Marissa Fletcher

Camp Casco’s Camp Champions program, 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-plus-foot summits. 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 1:1 counselor-to-camper ratio.

For the fourth annual hiking challenge, which took place earlier this month, Camp Casco selected an elite group athletes, each of whom hiked in honor of an individual camper. The champions trained for months to prepare for the two-day trek, which is “extremely physically and emotionally demanding — much like the experience of childhood cancer,” noted Camp Casco CEO Erin Fletcher Stern.

“Through this hike,” she added, “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.”

Fletcher served as a team captain this year after completing the three previous hiking challenges. “I am so excited to take on the Camp Champs hike for the fourth consecutive year,” she said. “Not only is it an incredible event that shows you the best parts of human connection, but it’s amazing to see the bonds formed over the common goal of doing something life-changing for kids who have been through so much.”

While parents often express gratitude to the hiking participants, Fletcher said she’s deeply grateful for the chance to do something for them. “Cancer can make you feel so helpless, so being able to provide kids with a week of joy from something so pure as summer camp is just a beautiful thing,” she said.

Donations are still being accepted at www.campcasco.org/marissa-fletcher.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Jun 16 2023. Filed under Features. Both comments and pings are currently closed.