Charity event at Downtown Disney will help Hispanic children suffering from childhood cancer

Imagine dealing with the fear and uncertainty of facing a childhood cancer. Now imagine not being able to understand those who would try to help you or explain your options in battling a disease.



Such an obstacle can be real for Hispanic families and patients here in Central Florida. But a charity event being hosted at Bongos Cuban Café at Downtown Disney wants to change that.

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This Thursday, Bongos will be the site of “Ninos Con Cancer,” an event that will raise money so that more health-related programs and materials can be presented in Spanish. The event is being produced by the BASE Camp American Childhood Cancer Organization, a local group dedicated to helping those who suffer from childhood cancers.




In a press release about the event, Terri Jones, president and founder of BASE Camp, said the purpose of “Ninos Con Cancer” is as simple as it is crucial.



"We have a very big population of Hispanic patients, and we want to provide all BASE Camp literature, programs and communication ‘en espanol.’ The kids and families need to have someone they can communicate with at this time in their lives,” Jones said. “I cannot imagine having my child diagnosed with cancer, and then not being able to understand information regarding support groups, retreats, programs and help that may be available."



Some of the personalities taking part include Longwood Deputy Mayor Bob Cortes, Orlando City Commissioner Tony Ortiz, and Florida state Rep. Darren Soto. John Musa of Rumba 100.3 FM will be the master of ceremony.



To take part in the event, patrons at Bongos can pay $35 a three-course meal, entertainment from the waiters and a drink ticket. There also will be an opportunity for patrons to take bids on crazy activities, as well. Silent and live auctions will take place, too.

Organizers say they hope to raise at least $15,000.

More information about the event can be found at www.basecamp.org.

The BASE Camp organization isn’t new to using Walt Disney World attractions to help families in need. When the group was formed in 1982, Jones began taking local cancer-stricken children and their families to the theme park.




Charity event at Downtown Disney will help Hispanic children suffering from childhood cancer