Brain Tumor Survivor's Family Finds Value in Gullikson Foundation Camp Scholarship

The Riley Family, who's third of four children is a brain tumor survivor, benefitted from a scholarship provided by the Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation for two of its children to attend Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times.

Grenada Hills, CA (PRWEB) March 3, 2005 -- A serious illness to one family member affects an entire unit. Thats why Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times welcomes children with cancer, their siblings and parents to one of the largest year-round recreational programs at its facility at Mountain Centers Apple Canyon Center near Idyllwild, Calif.
    
The camps ability to provide a free fun-filled medically supervised camp experience for these children depends on the generosity of supporters like the Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation. Since 1997 the Foundation has provided scholarships for children affected by brain tumors to attend camp and enjoy experiences other kids may take for granted.
    
It is really important that kids who are brain tumor survivors have fun and be kids," said Rosemary Gullikson who serves as the Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation President and is the widow of tennis professional and coach, Tim Gullikson. Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times is a safe venue with medical care where children can have some of the same experiences that healthy kids and their siblings do. Just the ability to develop socially at camp is a lifetime benefit."
    
The Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation was founded by tennis professionals Tim & Tom Gullikson and their families after Tim was diagnosed with brain tumors in 1995. At the time of diagnosis, Tim Gullikson was coach to No. 1 ranked Pete Sampras. His goal in teaming with his family to create the Foundation was to help brain tumor patients and their families manage the physical, emotional and social challenges presented by the disease.
    
The Riley family of Granada Hills, Calif., knows the benefits of such support. Hospital visits, it says, can be physically and emotionally draining. Bolstered by scholarships provided by the Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation, Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, it found, is a place to enjoy friendship, fun and adventure.
    
Peter Riley was once a curly red-haired boy who loved dinosaurs and Legos. He was only five years old, but his mother dreamed the super-sized dreams that many parents do – a Super Bowl MVP or as a scientist who traveled the world and beyond. It wasnt long, however, before Kathy Riley craved ordinary things for her son: a high school diploma, true and lasting friendships, a drivers license and a first love. The third of four children, Peter Riley was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1993. Now 17, Riley, who struggles socially and is limited intellectually and physically, continues to enjoy activities such as backpacking, rock climbing and other activities that make him feel like he can conquer the world, but only under the guidance of professionals at Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times.
    
As a parent, Im grateful to the Gullikson Foundation for providing brain tumor kids with a chance for adventure at camp that theyd never be able to experience anywhere else," Kathy Riley said.
    
The Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, assists brain tumor patients and their families deal with the physical, social and emotional challenges presented by the illness.

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