Every child has the right to play, to enjoy the outdoors, and to have fun with friends, but for children living with serious illnesses, the logistics of managing care can be a barrier.
The SeriousFun Children’s Network, founded by actor Paul Newman, offers recreational camps in more than 20 countries with the medical expertise to support kids with serious illnesses as they enjoy themselves and connect with others. Taking part reduces isolation, improves mental health, and, less intuitively, helps young people adhere to their treatments.
An SNF grant made as part of the Global Health Initiative (GHI) supports SeriousFun Partner Programs for children living with HIV, cancer, and thalassemia in Botswana, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Haiti, Vietnam, and India.