A Special Adventure: Making cherished memories through special adventures
Experiencing childhood cancer can impact families in many unthinkable ways, robbing them of the joys that healthy children typically experience during their formative years. For many, time is spent in doctor’s offices and hospitals instead of on the playground or at home. The Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation is proud to continue to offer the “A Special Adventure” program to Children’s Cancer Connection families. This program offers families a unique, all-inclusive weekend getaway, fostering quality time together and creating memories for impacted families.
These trips are designed with the families in mind. Many families experiencing childhood cancer do not have the luxury of traveling long distances away from their healthcare providers. By offering trips in the state, families have the peace of mind that comes with easy access to essential services.
In 2025, 28 families were granted the opportunity to choose from four Iowa-based weekend trips spanning from May through August. Options included trips to the Iowa State Fair, Honey Creek Resort in Moravia, Iowa, Lost Island Waterpark and Themepark in Waterloo, Iowa, and Bridges Bay Resort at Lake Okoboji. In total, 74 children and 55 parents could partake in a weekend of relaxation and memory-making.
Each all-inclusive getaway includes admissions to all planned activities, gift cards to local restaurants and ice cream shops, a two-night hotel stay, and a backpack containing the trip itinerary and details, family t-shirts, a Fujifilm Instax Mini Polaroid camera, a trip journal, and a set of specially curated surprise fun boxes. These boxes are filled with travel games, toys for the car and hotel, and more, enhancing the overall experience and ensuring that families can unwind, create new memories, and find joy amid the challenges of childhood cancer.
Families who have questions about eligibility or need assistance with the application process should contact:
Director of Programs
Children’s Cancer Connection
Email: programs@ccciowa.org
Phone: 515-243-6239 ext. 1106
For questions about the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation, contact:
Laura Noehren
Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 641-316-3293