OCCA funds these programs-
Who we help/ What we Provide
OCCA is a non-profit 501C(3) organization involved in providing activities and helpful programs for patients and their families. Families find a place to share and support each other at these events.
OCCA offers college scholarships
for college and higher education to patients and former patients of the Jimmy Everest Cancer Center. OCCA funds the Michelle Erica Scholarship Fund with the Sale of Greeting Cards each year.
OCCA supplies educational materials
and resource
information for newly diagnosed patients. The first several weeks after a diagnosis can be mind numbing. Patients are provided a tote bag full of valuable information,
resources and helpful phone numbers.
OCCA Toy Closet Program
OCCA keeps a wonderful “toy closet” in the Jimmy Everest Center. The “closet” is full of toys for all ages and gift cards. Patients pick a gift on their birthday or following a painful
procedure. Children quickly get through their procedure so they can visit the Toy Closet!
OCCA Annual Christmas Party
OCCA holds a Christmas Party each year at The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center. Surviving and current patients
of the the OU Physicians Jimmy Everest Center and their families are invited. Each child and sibling receive a gift from Santa, sit on Santa's lap and get their photo taken as they tell him their wishes. Volunteers
help patients and their siblings and create one of a kind
keepsake ornaments. Volunteers donate yummy cookies,
pizza and refreshments. During this special holiday event patients and their families enjoy visiting and renewing
friendships as well as lending support to one another.
Jimmy Everest Art Therapy Room
Inside the Jimmy Everest Cancer Clinic is a bright and colorful Art Room. When you step off the elevator on the third floor and hear the laughs and giggles you know something fun is happening. Colorful art adorns the walls and ceilings. Creative volunteers can be found painting , playing and dancing with the patients... all while serious procedures happen around them.
OCCA provides all the supplies needed for daily activities in the Art Room, from paint brushes to birthday cupcakes. Patients love the art room so much that they continue to come back from time to time after their treatment is complete. It is a creative, happy, loving place for parents and their children to enjoy while they await their appointment or treatment.
Volunteers help patients paint, sing, write and make big smiles while giving their caretakers time to rest and support each other. OCCA funds all the supplies needed for this daily creativity center.
Remembrance Day
OCCA families staff and friends gather once a year to remember special loved ones in a simple and beautiful memorial service. OCCA funds the location and refreshments.
Parents Support Group
The support group is hosted by Danny Cavett on the 2nd Wednesday of every month. The group meets in the Jimmy Everest Center at noon with pizza and drinks provided. For more information please call: 271-5758.
All dates, sign up information, and who to contact, will be posted on the OCCA event calendar as it becomes available.
Fall Fun Fest
This has become an annual October evening event. Families gather together for an evening under the stars and a cowboy camp experience with: Dinner around the campfire, roasting marshmallows for s'mores, a hayride, petting barn, karaoke and games in the big barn, pony rides, a giant hay slide, and navagating a large cornfield maze with only a flashlight and friends. There is lots of fun for the entire family.
Red Hawks Family Night
Is a fun night at the ballpark with; dinner, the cool zone, and group seating for patients and their families. Children eat hot-dogs , catch fly balls and do kid things while families relax, share information
and enjoy each others friendship.
Zoo Day
OCCA's Zoo Day is held in spring or early summer every year and many families return year after year. The Oklahoma City Zoo is a delightfully fun and adventurous place to visit and enjoy the animals. Families come together under the pavillion for lunch, door prizes and good coversations before heading out to see the animals.
Other Family Events
Along with our annual events, OCCA is working on new events, like movie day and bowling, to rotate throughout the year. All events will be posted on the calendar when information is available.
Camp Cavett Summer Camp
Camp Cavett provides, through a camp experience, a fantastic and unbelievable learning experience for chronically ill
children. Any child between the ages of 9 and 18 who has
been a patient at The Children’s Hospital OU Medical Center
is eligible to participate in this free 5-day camp held every July at Lake Texoma.
The founder, Danny Cavett, is a stem cell transplant recipient and Director of Pastoral Care at OU Medical Center, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Danny saw a need for children who were experiencing or experienced a life-threatening
illness to have a camp where they could feel normal themselves.
Danny Cavett saw that chronically ill children live a rigid schedule of doctor appointments and medical procedures. He believed that in this beautiful lake retreat setting, children could choose the activities they want to do each day. Eight years later campers don't want to go home at the end of camp. Campers are encouraged to participate in swimming, ropes challenge course, sports, arts and crafts and fishing trips with local fisherman. Camp Cavett offers a spiritual setting where campers share their feelings, discover their inner strengths and make friendships that last a lifetime. Campers come back to volunteer as Junior/Adult
counselors to share and offer support to new campers.
Handicap Ski Camp
In cooperation with the Oklahoma Children’s Cancer Association (OCCA), Camp Cavett sponsors OCCA Ski Camp for kids disabled by cancer, either through amputation or by involvement of muscle tissue. Each April, they receive special instruction and equipment for four days in Winter Park, Colorado, one of the world’s largest programs for disabled skiers. The children learn from one another and are challenged to overcome their disabilities.
Watonga Weekend
This special weekend originated as the first OCCA summer camp over 20 years ago and is still going thanks to the city of Watonga. Each September the weekend is held at Roman Nose State park and hosted by the Watonga Fire Department and the town of Watonga. Families can come for the entire weekend or a day for tons of fun, food and activities: a parade downtown, paddle boats, miniture golf, motorcycle rides, waterslide, night bingo & teen activities. It’s always lots of fun for all.
Trail of Dreams Ride
This 2-day breathtaking rustic trail ride is sponsored by the Dewey County Sheriff’s Department, staff and friends. Patients and families enjoy western Oklahoma’s rustic beauty. Children join the cowboy trail ride on horses and in covered wagons. A campfire and fireside cowboy refreshments round out the western trail ride.
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