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HealthCall www.healthcallhomecare.com Toll Free: 800.991.9933 A CHAP CHPIP Accredited Agency VISIT US ONLINE at JNt2t.com 42 September 9 • 2010 JN Bucking Cancer from page 41 Respite From Cancer Indeed, Camp Casey offers three programs — all free to children with cancer and their families and completely funded by donations. It started with Cowboy Camp Outs, mini vacations at dude ranch- es in Michigan, that take place two or three times a year. But when one child became ill at the event, they later brought the horse to her — inventing Horsey House Calls. It took the donation of a horse, and enough money to house and transport him, before it became an ongoing part of the program. "This is our second summer doing this and we do it very regularly," Melamed says. Although the Pennanens' have a large backyard and their guests were invited, Camp Casey also goes into areas where they may have to cordon off the street to have room for a bridle path. "We make it work," Melamed says, "especially in Detroit, and then it can really involve the whole neighborhood." When it's too cold to ride, Camp Casey offers Outlaw Outings — spe- cial family trips to apple orchards, pumpkin patches, ice skating rinks, professional sports games and the- ater performances. "It's another way for families to do things together without having to pay, plan or do anything, Melamed says. "Camp Casey fills the gaps in a nonprofit system that reaches a lot of children, but it does so in a way that is unique and very personal;' according to Jonathan Cohen (no relation to Adam), who served as the board's treasurer and was a regular volunteer until he left his business consulting job for a stint teaching English in Seoul, Korea. "Riding the horses can provide the children with new vigor and confidence; horses are known to be very therapeutic," Jonathan wrote in an e-mail message. "And for children who have most times never ridden a horse, manning this strong and intimidating animal can provide a new confidence in their fight against the diseases they are afflicted with. "This was my first experience working with a grassroots nonprofit, and it has truly changed my out- look on many things," he explains. "To have people who truly want to help out the community makes this world a better place." Expansion Plans Melamed, who lives in Ferndale, is busy drumming up funding and working on a business plan to expand Camp Casey to other states when she isn't teaching at Equilibrium Pilates Studio in Bloomfield Hills. "The studio has really embraced Camp Casey',' she says. "Owner Nancy Hodari has not only hosted fundrais- ers but also encouraged me to explore my Jewish roots." That culminated in a Birthright trip to Israel last January — a journey "that changed things for me:' says Melamed, the daughter of a Jewish dad and a Catholic mom. "It made me feel very Jewish and connected to Israel." Indeed, her recent marriage to Nick Reeser, who is in medical school at Wayne State University, took place outside a barn in western Michigan, complete with a chuppah that she and a friend constructed. "I love that Molly is such a great example of the ability of one person to have a passion, develop an idea and bring it to fruition:' says Hodari, who lives in Birmingham and is on the board of Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. "Her goal isn't to raise millions for research, but rather to raise the spirit and bring smiles to sick children." Meanwhile, back at his surprise Horsey House Call, Will took a last ride, telling Moe to "Giddyap." "He's had ups and downs — he couldn't walk very well;' says his mom, Dana. "It's great to see him have all this energy." Camp Casey At A Glance • A Birmingham-based nonprofit agency (401ck) that offers a cost-free horseback riding and activities program for kids with cancer and their families; • Commemorates Casey Foote, who died of bone and brain cancer in 2003 at 12 years old; • Founded by native Metro Detroiter Molly Melamed in 2004 when she was a sophomore at Michigan State University; • Serves children ages 2-16 (and siblings of any age) with all types of cancer; • For more information or to make a donation, visit www.CampCasey. org or call (248) 705-2780.