Collaboration. It’s the hallmark of our organization and the driving force for all that we do.
We are delighted to feature one of CBTF’s long time partners and collaborators, Jenna’s Rainbow Foundation (JRF). JRF was created in 1999 by Linda and Gideon Kamil after their beautiful daughter Jenna died at age 7 from a brain-stem tumor. In Jenna’s words, “I wish the world would stay a rainbow.”
To memorialize her life and maintain her loving spirit, Jenna’s Rainbow Foundation supports local activities and special projects that ease the burdens, provide respite, and improve the quality of life for both children and their families. The link between the missions of JRF and the work of CBTF couldn’t be clearer and we are honored by our long relationship which began in 2005. We are so appreciative of Jenna’s Rainbow Foundation. Each member dedicates time in countless ways to support the brain tumor community.
JRF’s heart is huge. It provides a wide range of support — from information and referrals to direct financial support to families including grants for end of life care. JRF also helped launch a unique artist-in-residence program at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore among other area programs.
CBTF and Jenna’s Rainbow Foundation began working collaboratively when they funded Camp Sunshine and have worked together since. Last year they helped fund our Kids’ Cruise. In the past years, they provided grants for family conferences, funds to help at camp as well as other key programs.
Currently, JRF funds our vital work with teens and young adult brain tumor survivors, including social dinners, trips and activities that help build community and aid in strengthening social skills. JRF provides funds for CBTF mentor-led social skill sessions separately with parents and survivors addressing social isolation and challenges in school.
JRF inspired the creation of CBTF’s Signature Career program. We continue to partner in expanding this program. Young adult survivors meet with CBTF’s Young Professionals Group monthly to work on networking, disclosure, job tips and interviewing skills. They also work one-on-one with affiliated vocational and rehabilitation professionals from Hunter College in NYC and the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Current plans include reviewing independence and transition programs in the NYC area to assist in developing an independence program, which will better address the varied needs of the population. CBTF is also conducting outreach to national and local corporations to discuss enhancing their disability hiring and training. CBTF will be creating a handbook for employers and brain tumor survivors addressing potential challenges and identifying the many strengths the population has to offer an employer.
JRF provided a grant to establish Jenna’s Corner, CBTF’s online chat room offering support groups for bereaved families nationwide. They also supported our Quilt Project. Here too CBTF works to counter social isolation and to provide community and companionship through a family’s journey of loss and grief.
CBTF’s board of directors and staff honor JRF’s leaders and their commitment to quality-of-life support to families combating childhood brain and spinal cord tumors. JRF is ever-evolving as medicine, technology and society changes. We at CBTF appreciate their willingness to explore new horizons on behalf of children and their families.
Take a look at JRF’s website and its “Rainbow Sightings” page. It will lift your spirits.
http://www.jennasrainbow.org/rainbow-sightings/
Thank you,
Gary D. Jaworski, Ph.D. and Stacia Wagner, MSW