Terry Tacka (left) and Nancy Lund help coordinate the Casey Cares Birthday Blast program, which gives toys, stuffed animals, tickets and gift cards to critically ill children on their birthday. Baltimore-based Casey Cares works to brighten the days of young patients throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Photo by Christopher Myers

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When a child is critically ill, the entire family is affected, as Debi Katzenberger knows all too well. Her granddaughter, Kamryn, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2004 and passed away three years later when she was just 8 years old.

As Kamryn endured treatments and innumerable hospital stays, her days were brightened by tickets to shows, birthday presents and other gifts from the Casey Cares Foundation — a Baltimore nonprofit that provides uplifting activities and support to children affected by cancer and their families.

While the organization employs professional staff members, the volunteers — many of whom have been involved from the Foundation’s inception — are the heart and soul of Casey Cares, said Baynes.

“There is no way we could continue to operate all of our programs and engage as many children and their families without our volunteers,” she said. “They don’t just stop in for an hour and leave. This is truly a regular, active group, and we are so lucky to have them.”

Katzenberger works full time for insurance company CareFirst, but finds eight to 10 hours a week in her busy schedule to work on Kami’s Jammies.

Patricia Scheitlin is another volunteer. The 64-year-old Linthicum resident has been involved with Casey Cares for 13 years. For Scheitlin, Casey Cares is a family endeavor. Her husband also volunteers, and her daughter Kim Meyers runs the Family Festivities Program.

Scheitlin volunteers every Monday and Wednesday for four to five hours a day, “and whenever Kim calls,” she laughed.

Both Scheitlin and her husband have had their own personal experiences with cancer, which makes their volunteering even more meaningful. “We understand what it means to be where these families are,” she said.

Nancy Lund and Terry Tacka are also long-time volunteers. Lund, who lives in Ellicott City, started out seven years ago after retiring from a career as a paralegal, and Tacka, four years ago after retiring as a human resources manager.

The two work on the Birthday Blast Program, making sure every child receives a birthday gift — from toys for the younger ones to gift cards for older kids — as well as flowers, cards, cookies, etc.

“It’s nice for them to have a special surprise on their birthday,” said Lund, with Tacka adding that people sometimes overlook how important a birthday is to a sick child. “It’s a milestone,” she said. “It means they’ve made it another year.”

Besides helping the children and their families, Tacka and Lund also appreciate the genial atmosphere and camaraderie the volunteers and staff enjoy. “It’s a real team effort here,” said Tacka.

For Kevin Buck and his family, the volunteers and what they provided made a tremendous difference. “Because of Casey Cares, you feel less alone when you’re going through something like this,” said Kevin’s father. “We couldn’t be more grateful and appreciative.”

To find out more about the Casey Cares Foundation or to volunteer, call (443) 568-0064 or visit www.caseycares.org.

Additional reporting by Barbara Ruben.