Recovering smiles in Barretown, campsite for children with grave illnesses

11 · August · 2022

Like every summer, we have brought various groups of children who have or have had cancer (or other grave illnesses) to the Irish campsite of Barretstown, with the collaboration of the Aladina Foundation.

Climbing, canoeing, archery, dance, tie-dye shirts…These are some of the many activities that Barretstown monitors offer to the camp participants, previously derived from organizations like the Villavaechia Foundation. The week-long stay was designed specifically for children who have, or have had, a grave illness, with a medical attention service and primary care offered 24 hours. The program has been hailed internationally for its profound and strengthening impact on the lives of sick children.

Canoeing in the Barretstown Lake

“I’m thankful for the Villavecchia Foundation for having invited me to travel to Barretstown. I would have gone in 2020, when I was finishing my treatment against leukemia, but with the coronavirus pandemic the trip was cancelled. A year and a half later they called me again. They had saved me a spot! That made me so happy,” Ingrid tells us, who participated in one of the caps in July.

“I have liked it all: the trips, the counselors, the installations, the activities, the food… It brought me so many emotions and incredible memories, but the best of all are the friends I’ve made. We text all the time, and we even video call.”

Marta, Maria, Ingrid, and Marina in Barretstown this past July

In 1994, the Irish government ceded the property and castle of Barretstown to the charity foundation of actor Paul Newman, so he could develop activities for children with grave illnesses. Since then, more than 70.000 children have passed through the campsite, which are financed by private financiers and donors, with the collaboration of a diverse array of foundations.

Did you know that actor Paul Newman created a food product company which donates its revenue to solidarity initiatives like Barretstown?

Barretstown castle, in the county of Kildare, Ireland.

The team of Barretstown advocate for the physical and emotional wellbeing for the sick children, creating a safe and free environment with no anxiety, where one can make friends, share experiences, and continue to (if necessary) treatment. It is also a magnificent resource for children and youth who have suffered from cancer, as it can help them overcome emotional and physical difficulties that often linger after months and years of treatment. After participating, they return home with more confidence, self-esteem, and social skills. And, above all, knowing that happiness is not only for children without illness.