By Carol Robinson
Alabama Media Group
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Birmingham Firefighters’ Association presented Camp Smile-A-Mile with a check for $8,000 to help with a new facility for kids with cancer.
Over the past 13 years, the firefighter group has raised more than $100,000 for the organization through its annual Billy Self Memorial Golf Tournament. Self was a Birmingham firefighter when he died from cancer.
“It’s the consistent and loyal support of friends like the Birmingham firefighters that has helped Camp Smile-A-Mile grow into much more than just a summer camp”, said Executive Director Bruce Hooper.
Smile-A-Mile Place, located on 1600 Second Avenue South, is set to open in the new year. It will be a place where children and families can gather to feel ‘unconditional love, support, comfort and friendship.’ They hope Smile-A-Mile Place will become the heartbeat of the organization and be the place for year-round programs tailored for age, stage of treatment and family need. The Birmingham Firefighters Association already has plans to help with those programs.
“Our mission is to provide hope, healing of the spirit and love for the whole family during the childhood cancer journey. We want to help those in Alabama who are affected by childhood cancer thrive during treatment and through the years beyond”, said Hooper. “The funds raised by the firefighters help us do just that.”
Copyright 2016 Alabama Media Group