Family Camp: A Multi-Disciplinary Intervention For Brain Tumor Patients And Families.

240 Background: The diagnosis of a brain tumor is a catastrophic life changing event that impacts the entire family. Patients and caregivers experience dramatic role changes, concern for their children, financial stress, and isolation. For many, the situation is overwhelming. A novel intervention to address these needs is “Family Camp”. Our vision for camp was to provide respite to the entire family, decrease caregiver stress, improve family connections and promote a sense of understanding and connection with the community at large. Methods: In a unique partnership with the widow of a former patient, the members of the UCSF Neuro-Oncology Division created and offered a weekend camp for brain tumor patients with children. Team members included MDs, RNs, social workers, psychologists, artists, body workers, “camp counselors” and community volunteers. In addition to respite, camp was structured through art, songs, projects and games to deliver opportunities for understanding and community building, including...