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Wednesday, August 23, 2006 · Page 9 Scouts, Hospice team up for summer camp retreat BY SARAH FISHER Thirty-five children and teenagers from across Essex County are counting on four days of fun. The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc. and Scouts Canada have invited children ages five to 15 to Camp Cedarwin, located off the Arner Townline, for four days and three nights starting Aug. 21. This is the second year or the camp. The children re referred to the program hrough Hospice because of family member's diagnois with a life threatening llness. There is no charge or the camp. "Linda contacted me about a month and a half ago. She knows the financial situation that we're in," said Nicole Logan, about Hospice administrator Linda Sabatini. "I'm not the first family that has had this experience." Logan's common law husband, Robert Vigna, was diagnosed with a tumour on his spinal cord in December 2001. Surgery removed 10 inches of the 12-inch tumour, but the remaining cancer, and new tumours that have developed, cause unimaginable pain. Logan estimates Vigna, who is bedridden, is able to sleep only three hours a day. Her full-time job is caring for her husband and she is no longer able to work. The couple's children, 14-year-old Dustin and eight-year-old Taylor, are preparing for camp. Dustin will be in the senNicole Logan and her children are caring for her husband who is battling cancer. The children are getting a break this week during the second annual Scouting with Hospice camp at Camp Cedarwin. Le r t lay t in! Professionally trained musician o ering private piano and theory lessons · RCM examination preparation · Just for Fun · Classical and Popular For more information call: Joyce Van Doorn 519 776 7093 ior grouping of kids that will try a rope course. The activity is often part of business retreats to teach trust and confidence building as participants glide high above the ground. It's something Dustin is looking forward to. Taylor is looking forward to being away from home. Her mother said her bags were packed a week before parents were scheduled to drop the children off at the Hospice office on Empress Street in Windsor. "I'm not afraid," Taylor said about the time away from her mother. Time away from home will give Dustin and Taylor a chance to play. At home the children, including their older sister Crysta, are mindful that any noise or Fall Special Choose from Six Designer Colours... Designer Looks & Savings You Can Enjoy disturbance can cause more pain for their dad. Logan knows kids need to let loose and, when Hospice suggested Camp Cedarwin, she knew it would be a good time for Dustin and Taylor. The four days will also give her some time with her husband, and some time for herself, Logan said. "I love my family and I don't regret a minute of it, but the break away will give me some time with Robert and give the kids time away to act like kids," she said. Amy Pinsonneault with Scouts Canada is positive the campers will be distracted for four days. She said volunteers from Hospice would accompany Scout leaders in all the activities planned. Because the chil- dren are familiar with the Hospice volunteers it should ease any trouble transitioning to time away from their parents, Pinsonneault said. A bereavement counsellor will also be on-site. "This year half of the campers are in the bereavement stage where they've already lost a loved one and so their needs may be a bit different," Pinsonneault said. Although Hospice is prepared for any difficulties, administrators hope campers have too much fun to think about the stress and sadness of home. Logan hopes she also will be distracted and is thankful to Hospice for the opportunity. "This place is great. They genuinely care about people." on furnaces & air conditioners Now available at... OVER RETIREMENT CLEMENCE'S 0% REGULAR 2 PRICED OFF ITEMS Ph. 776-7001 317 Talbot Street, N. INVENTORY REDUCTION CASH REBATE or FREE 10 YEAR Parts & Labour Warranty 238 Talbot St. W., Leamington · 326-9018 PLUMBING · HEATING · HVAC SERVICES · 30 Y GREAT EAR PRICES! SHOP EARLY FOR S BEST SELECTIONS!