Celebrating Kids

(who just want to be kids)

For most children, summer is a time to gather with friends, play outdoors and splash in the pool. But some children find their summers filled with pain, medical treatments and loneliness. No one knows this better than Francesca Tenconi, the founder of the Children's Skin Disease Foundation and Camp Wonder.

Twelve years ago, a teenage girl with a nearly fatal skin disease celebrated her Sweet Sixteen by asking for donations instead of gifts. The result? She created something ... Wonderful.

At 11, Francesca developed a nearly fatal skin disease that destroyed 85% of her skin. During her struggle to recover, she became determined to help other children having similar painful, isolating experiences. At her Sweet Sixteen birthday, she requested friends and family members give donations, rather than gifts, to start the Children's Skin Disease Foundation (CSDF). It was to be the beginning of a remarkable organization – and a camp full of Wonder.

Camp Wonder is the place where, one week a year, children with severe and fatal skin diseases get the opportunity to have a "childhood without limits." A place where kids get to be kids: ride horses, play in the pool, star in the talent show, go to "prom" and most of all, it is a safe place – where no one will stare or ridicule.

Camp Wonder is free of charge and supported by dedicated volunteers, many of them previous Camp Wonder kids who can especially relate to the experience. A medically trained staff of doctors and nurses are also present. Kids and parents alike get the opportunity to discover the fun, friends and freedom their lives don’t often afford.

The Cetaphil^® brand is proud to partner with Camp Wonder, providing a generous grant, employee volunteers and gentle Cetaphil^® products that help support children’s skin health needs. Our plans are to support the organization for years to come. We’re inspired by Francesca’s work and by the exceptional courage of the children of Camp Wonder. We hope you are as well.