Education Services
Education Services
Brett’s dedication to critically ill children does not stop with providing camp services. Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, identified a desperate area of need for their children; being critically ill with cancer prevented them from attending school and they were losing ground academically and socially. The Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation worked with Clark County School District and Sunrise Children’s Hospital to provide a full time accredited K-12 classroom for their cancer patients. After putting together a budget that included hiring a Director of Education and a full-time teacher to work with CCSD to create an Individual Service Plan for each child, Jeff and the NCCF’s board of directors realized they needed a generous benefactor to underwrite this ambitious and extremely necessary/impactful program.
In 2008, Jeff went to his friend, Brett Torino, who was already funding Camp Cartwheel, and again without hesitation, Brett said, “Let me know what needs to happen and we’ll get it done.” Brett has been solely funding the NCCF education program since its inception.
“It’s been said, it takes a village to raise and teach a child,” says Jeff Gordon. “Our village is anchored by the Brett Torino Foundation, who responded with a huge heart by offering to fund the entire program. That’s why NCCF named the 340-square foot educational facility on the 5th floor of the pediatric oncology unit at Sunrise Children’s Hospital the Brett Torino In-Patient Classroom.”
Thanks to the Brett Torino Foundation, the classroom which is open five days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., is equipped with school supplies, computers, a DVD player, and iPads. If a child doesn’t feel well enough to come to the classroom, a tutor goes to the child’s bedside.
Approximately 180 children are enrolled in the program every year. Gordon says it is the only place in the nation where a full-time classroom in a hospital was started and is operated by a local nonprofit and funded by a private donor, something NCCF and Brett Torino are very proud of.
In addition to the In-Patient Classroom, the Brett Torino Foundation Education Services funds several other services through NCCF:
School Re-Entry Team
NCCF’s Director of Education, a licensed clinical social worker, and each child’s doctor and nurse, work collectively with teachers, school nurses, counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other Clark County School District staff members to facilitate each child’s return to the classroom.
Back to School in Style
NCCF and the Brett Torino Foundation provide extra support to those students reentering school after they have missed six months of school or more with a special celebration. The celebration generously gifts the children with a new backpack, a gift card for new clothes, a special lunch and most of all the emotional support and enthusiasm needed for this time of transition.
Lean on Me: Kidz supporting Kidz
Life-size puppets named Shane and Valerie help create a sensitive and understanding school environment for the children to return to by educating students and the school staff about the short and long term side-effects of cancer, sickle cell, hemophilia, and immunological disorders. They also learn the importance of acceptance and anti-bullying and appreciating people who are different and face challenges, a lesson that may have a lasting positive impact on them for the rest of their lives.
C.A.P.S. Program
C.A.P.S. Program
Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation in conjunction with the Brett Torino Foundation founded the C.A.P.S. program in 2009. This program honors students who have shown Courage, Achievement, Perseverance, and Success in the Brett Torino Foundation Education Services Program. In his annual keynote speech at the C.A.P.S. Ceremony, Brett shares his passion for this exclusive program and the deserving children who are served by it and succeed because of it.
In Their Own Words...
In honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we are immensely proud of our longstanding partnership of over two decades with @nvccf. Together, we have diligently championed the cause of raising awareness about this illness and have been dedicated to advancing services provided to the children and their families. Over the years, our collaborative efforts have resulted in the development of educational services for children undergoing treatments and the establishment of a refuge through the summer camps at Torino Ranch, where cherished memories are created, offering a respite from the challenges faced by these young fighters. @kariofmanycolors @celenahaas1
Sharing a few more images from this year`s summer camps at Torino Ranch, these are some of the Founders personal photos. The Ranch was a haven of laughter and joy throughout the entire season, making it a truly beautiful and unforgettable experience. @nvccf @sunshinenevadaorg
School starts on Aug. 7 and the @bretttorinofoundation Education Services of @nvccf is there every step of the way. This program gives diagnosed children the opportunity to continue their education while in treatment, recovery, and post treatment with Brett Torino Foundation Learning Pod at @nvccf, Brett Torino Foundation “Heart of Education” Scholarship, School Re-Entry Team, Advocacy, Back to School in Style, C.A.P.S. PROGRAM, and more.
Please call Mrs. K at NVCCF at 702.735.8434 or email her at [email protected] for more information and education support. This program is available to critically ill children (K-12) diagnosed with life threatening illnesses including cancer, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell, renal, blood, and immunologic diseases, their siblings, as well as to children whose parents are diagnosed with cancer and registered with The Caring Place Program.
🎉 Congratulations to @nvccf Jeff, Stephanie, and the entire team! What a remarkable honor, and we couldn`t be more proud to collaborate with you on Camp Cartwheel and the BTF educational services and programs throughout the year. Your dedication to the children and the Las Vegas Community is truly commendable. Thank you, NVCCF, for making a positive impact on so many lives! 🙌🏼 #givingback
A round of applause for another captivating camp experience with @sunshinenevadaorg! Immerse yourself in the world of camp I AM and TLC through this informative video, capturing the essence of camp life. While camp may be seen as a typical experience for some children, for those living with autism, it is an extraordinary and transformative journey. From engaging activities to forming meaningful connections with others and nature, both the campers and volunteers have created countless cherished memories. Stay connected with us throughout the year for captivating camp images on our social media, pages and website.
ICYMI: Proud to partner with @saveredrock and other local groups @centennial_subaru @republic_services and more for Lovell Canyon clean up with nearly 100 volunteers. We are committed to the continuous preservation and beauty of our nature lands.
Thanks for the love @sunshinenevadaorg! As we so often say "it takes a village!" Thank you for your dedication to children living with developmental disorders such as autism. 🥰🤗❤️
Thrilled to host @Sunshinenevadaorg summer camp at Torino Ranch helping those living with autism, we have waited more than 3 years to see all these smiling faces of the children. Can’t wait to host you all again next year! #givingback
It takes a village to support children with critical illnesses, to wrap services around them, and ensure that they and their families feel deeply supported. Summer camp fun not only brings joy but also instills strength and courage within them, empowering them to face medical challenges throughout the year. Together, we form a close-knit family, united in our dedication to their well-being. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ @nvccf @8newsnow @8newsnowkirsten @kirsten.joyce
Last week, Brett Torino Foundation and @nvccf Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation held the 27th annual Camp Cartwheel Summer Camp at Torino Ranch for critically ill children diagnosed with cancer, or other life-threatening illnesses. Over the decades many thousands of children have experienced the ranch since 1999, the foundation is committed to those we serve.
It’s beginning to look a lot like 🎄at the ranch.
❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
#happyholidays #glitteringlights #night #winter #wonderland #holidaylights
Have you visited Lovell Canyon? 🏔
Our team has worked for years with a specialized task force to make this area safe and environmentally healthy. We’re incredibly proud of the clean up and preservation work we’ve achieved.
Come see this natural wonder!
