Year in Review 2023
Click here to view our 2023 Year in Review to see some of what we accomplished together last year!
Mourning the loss of John “Bassmaster” Bell
All of us at Okizu mourn the loss of John “Bassmaster” Bell, beloved co-founder of our organization. By profession, John owned and ran Golden Bear Travel, a travel agency specializing in luxury cruises. In the 1970s, he began volunteering at Hospice of Marin, where he developed a deep connection with a patient named Robert Sturhahn. […]
Northwestern Mutual Donates $500,000 to Childhood Cancer Survivors and Siblings to Help Fund Higher Education
Northwestern Mutual Donates $500,000 to Childhood Cancer Survivors and Siblings to Help Fund Higher Education Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, announced its continued commitment to helping alleviate the financial cost of college for families affected by childhood cancer through $500,000 in combined scholarships to 50 childhood cancer survivors and childhood cancer siblings, as part of its Childhood Cancer […]
Now accepting applications for year 2 of the YPC (Young Professionals Council)
Applications for 2024 membership are now open and due November 30th! Click here to apply or email okizuypc@gmail.com with questions. The Young Professionals Council (YPC) is a group of diverse and passionate professionals in the Bay Area dedicated to Okizu’s mission to help all members of families affected by childhood cancer to heal. Members of the YPC […]
Okizu named a 2023 TOP-RATED NONPROFIT by GreatNonprofits
Okizu has been named a “2023 Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading website for community recommendations of charities and nonprofits. The Top-Rated Nonprofit Award is based on the rating and number of reviews that Okizu received from volunteers, donors, and aid recipients. “Okizu is a great example of a nonprofit making a real difference in […]
Camp Okizu has been named as one of the Top 500 Summer Camps in the country by Newsweek Magazine
We are thrilled to share that Camp Okizu has been named as one of the Top 500 Summer Camps in the country by Newsweek Magazine! As we share this news with you, kids throughout Northern California are getting ready to experience the magic of Camp Okizu. They are packing their sunscreen, swimsuits, and sleeping bags […]
Launch of Okizu’s Young Professionals Council (YPC)
Dear Friends, I am excited to announce that we are in search of passionate and committed young professionals looking to become the founding members of Okizu’s Young Professionals Council! Under the leadership and guidance of Okizu supporter Sowmya Kuwahara, the YPC will seek to advance the work and mission of Okizu while offering its members the opportunity […]
Future of Camp Okizu and Berry Creek
Dear Friends, Since the Bear fire destroyed our camp in September 2020, our Site Committee, Staff, and Board of Directors have been working diligently to evaluate where would be the optimal place to rebuild Camp Okizu. We have considered many options including building back at Berry Creek, purchasing a summer camp, or finding another piece […]
Summer Camp 2023 Dates and Locations!
IN-PERSON SLEEP-AWAY SUMMER SESSIONS FOR KIDS 8-17 Oncology Camp session 1: June 12 – 17 @ Camp Arroyo (Livermore, CA) Sponsored by The Taylor Family Foundation* For more information on this site visit Camp Arroyo SIBS Camp session 1: June 19 – 23 @ Camp Arroyo (Livermore, CA) Sponsored by The Taylor Family Foundation* For more […]
Town Hall Updates from Okizu
Okizu held a virtual Town Hall on January 20th. We were delighted to be able to share some program and site updates with so many of you. If you couldn’t join us, please find some of the highlights below: ► We are thrilled to share that we are planning for in-person programs at various rental camp locations […]