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Until there's a cure, there's Ukandu.
Bringing hope, joy, and connection
to communities impacted by childhood cancer.
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Hi, we're Ukandu
We recognize that a childhood cancer diagnosis affects the entire family. This is why we aim to provide holistic support for patients, survivors, siblings, and caregivers from the moment of diagnosis, through treatment, and beyond.
We help parents find respite while their children reclaim classic childhood experiences - all 100% free of charge.
1700+
Families served since 1986
87%
of participants report an increased sense of hope after attending Ukandu programs
200+
Volunteers make our residential camp programs and other year-round offerings possible
7,500+
individual program participants since 1986
85%
of first-time volunteers return for a second year
93%
of eligible participants return for multiple programs
Upcoming Programs
Ukandu offers a full suite of medically informed, year-round programs for patients, survivors, siblings, and caregivers who have been impacted by a childhood cancer diagnosis. All our programs are 100% free of charge, 100% of the time. We hope to see you at one soon!
Get Involved
Join our community and make a difference!
There are several ways you can get involved and support our mission.
Become a Volunteer
Ukandu is, first and foremost, a volunteer-driven organization and relies on over 200 volunteers each year to make our year-round programs a reality.
Learn More
Make a Donation
Ukandu programming is 100% free to all families. We rely on donations from our generous community to make this happen - thank you for being a part of our impact!
Learn More
Become a Sponsor
Ukandu’s partners and sponsors have a unique opportunity to make a lasting contribution to our year-round programs while gaining invaluable brand recognition for their organizations.
Learn More
Hear From Our Community
Explore the heartfelt testimonials from our camp participants and volunteers as they share their stories of hope, resilience, and the joy of being part of our community.
"Everyone just welcomed us in. And the feeling of being welcomed and trusting new people was very new for us. You're not known as that kid with the cancer. Everyone just gets it. The feeling of not having to be worried about being a burden and knowing everyone is just watching over me - taking care of me. It's our Ukandu family."
Ukandu Participant
"Sabina, who has just wrapped up 9 months of intensive chemotherapy and surgery for Osteosarcoma, told me that Camp Ukandu was the first time she felt like she "fit in and belonged." She said it was pure magic to meet other kids who actually know first-hand what it's like to go through what she has....even more than we do, as her parents. Which is true! And it was wonderful for them both to see kids in their various stages of cancer survival, being joyful, playful and being KIDS!"
Ukandu Parent
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"The joy that they have to be here definitely permeates through. I can't even describe it. It's like asking me to describe love or hope. Camp has been completely life changing and just all the love and the joy and the passion that we as counselors and the campers bring is everything I wish to incorporate in my daily life."
Ukandu Volunteer
The latest from Ukandu
Read the latest stories about the impact of our work.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Bobo
Bobo has been volunteering with Ukandu for under a year and has already made a permanent mark on our Ukandu community. Whether he's helping out at a fundraising event or volunteering a week of his time at Ukandu Family Camp, we are so thankful to have Bobo as a part of our volunteer team!
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Support Ukandu in 2024 Give!Guide
Ukandu is proud to participate in Willamette Week's 2024 Give!Guide! When you give from November 1st through December 31st not only will you have the opportunity to directly support Ukandu's year-round programs but you'll also be entered to win some pretty awesome prizes. That's what we call a win-win!