What is the Casey Cares Foundation?
We are a non-profit organization that provides uplifting programs with a special touch to critically ill children and their families throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.  We serve patients at hospitals such as Johns Hopkins, Children's National, Georgetown University, University of Maryland Hospital for Children, Children's Hospital at Sinai, Medical College of Virginia and Hershey Medical Center.  Most of the children are being treated for leukemia, brain tumors, cystic fibrosis, blood disorders (sickle cell, TTP, aplastic anemia, etc.), lymphoma (Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin), sarcoma and other childhood cancers.

When did it begin?
Established in 2000, the Casey Cares Foundation was founded by Casey Baynes and is headquartered in Maryland. The foundation is governed by our Board of Directors.

What makes you different than other children's charities?
Because we are a local charity, we have the opportunity to personally get to know our families and tailor our programs to meet their needs.  Whether it's tickets to a sporting event or live show, a weekend getaway, the delivery of new pajamas or a birthday suprise, our families' imaginations are the inspiration of our creative programs.  Activities and events are provided not just once a lifetime or once a year, but frequently throughout the child's illness.  Our popular, bi-monthly parties offer occasions to socialize and support each other while experiencing new adventures.

What programs are offered to critically ill children?

• The Family Festivities Program offers families an opportunity to spend time together at sporting events, movies or local attractions. Whenever possible, activities are enhanced by providing extras such as refreshments or cameras.
• The Birthday Blast Program helps children celebrate with surprise deliveries of balloons, cookies or flowers since this day is a celebration of life and should always be remembered.
• The Celebration Vacation Program provides getaways for families with the hope of replenishing their spirit.
• The Better Together Program encourages families who have lost a child to continue their participation for an additional year. During that time, we hope to help families regain strength and focus on healing.
• The Kami’s Jammies Program  provides new sleepwear and themed pajama parties to children on extended hospital stays.  Inspired in memory of a Casey Cares child, this program helps children feel more at home in an otherwise sterile environment.
• The Caring Connection Program encourages families to meet, share and lean on each other while taking part in fun group activities.

How do children qualify for the programs?
Critically ill children under the age of 18 are eligible to participate. The application is reviewed with the child's physician before eligibility is determined. Eligibility continues for an additional year following the child1s last active treatment and for families who have suffered the loss of a child.

Are children eligible if they participate in programs with a similar organization?
Yes, during this stressful time in their lives, we believe the more positive opportunities the family has, the better. Therefore, we encourage children to participate in all programs in which they are eligible.

Are my contributions tax deductible?
Yes. The Casey Cares Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization and contributions of gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law. We provide receipts for all donations.  To view our 990s, please contact our office, or visit:  www.guidestar.org/index.jsp.

How is the Casey Cares Foundation funded?
The Casey Cares Foundation is funded through in-kind donations, fundraising, private donations, corporate sponsors and foundation grants. We are associated with the Combined Federal Campaign.  Participants should include the CFC #4710 on your pledge card.  The Casey Cares Foundation does not seek donations through telephone or door to door solicitation.  To keep our administrative costs low, the Casey Cares Foundation does no telemarketing.  During these hard economic times, we want you to know that your donations will not be used to pay for phone solicitation.  Telemarketing companies often take money better spent on programs for the charity.

To obtain a copy of our Federal 501(c)3 Tax Exemption certificate, please follow the link below.
501(c)3 Letter

To receive a copy of the annual report please write to Casey Cares Foundation, 3918 Vero Road, Suite C, Caton Research Center, Baltimore, MD 21227.