Our Story
Camp Hope began as a dream to create unforgettable experiences and a supportive community for children battling pediatric cancer. In August 2017, Julie Moore of the Dax Foundation provided the funding needed to turn this dream into reality. Collaborating with OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center, St. Jude Midwest Affiliate, and the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Camp Hope was established to offer a medically safe camping experience for children with cancer and blood disorders in 2018 and 2019. Even during the pandemic, Camp Hope adapted by providing virtual camp experiences, ensuring that children remained connected and supported. In September 2022, the Camp Hope Foundation was formed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to secure essential funding for quality experiences and year-round support programs for those affected by cancer and other catastrophic illnesses.