10a Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation is able to provide outings for cancer-affected families with children through the Karen Parker Allen Memorial Endowment. The purpose of the grant from Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc. is to give patients the opportunity to enjoy normal family activities without focusing on their cancer diagnosis. The intention is that the activities will also allow a child to feel like a child during a difficult time.

Karen Parker Allen passed away in 2016 at age 55 after a valiant five-year battle with stage 4 colon cancer. She is survived by her husband and nine children. She is best known for her incredible love for her family and her passion for living. In that spirit, her family established the Karen Parker Allen Memorial Endowment of Cumberland Community Foundation in her loving memory.

“Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation and the Friends of the Cancer Center are very grateful for the endowment and the Cumberland Community Foundation for making this program possible,” said Vice President of Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation Sabrina Brooks. “Once the patients are identified, the Friends of the Cancer Center Advisory Council works directly with each family to plan an outing of interest.”

The program creates a day of activities for the entire family to have fun experiences together, such as a day at museums or parks, outdoor activities, special learning opportunities, sporting events, or other activities.

“We want families to have a day to enjoy normal family activities without having to focus on cancer treatment schedules or other things that may be associated with the cancer diagnosis,” Brooks said.

Activities have included going to the movies, the North Carolina Zoo, a Marksmen hockey game, trampoline park, going out to dinner and more.