Dr. Edward Benz Honored as Camp Casco’s Friend for Life

Camp Casco will present the distinguished award at their annual gala

Dr. Edward Benz

Camp Casco, a nonprofit organization offering free camps and socials for childhood cancer patients, survivors, and siblings in New England, is thrilled to present its fifth Friend for Life award to Dr. Edward Benz at the annual Campfires & Cocktails gala on November 2nd. 

Dr. Edward Benz, President and CEO Emeritus of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and leader in the childhood cancer community, has been a Camp Casco supporter and champion since the organization’s beginning in 2014. 

“Camp Casco is a wonderful resource for our children with cancer and for their families,” said Dr. Benz. “I am especially proud that Camp Casco exists only because of the vision and determination of Dana Farber’s young scientists and staff members, whose work made it a reality. They are exactly the people that I would choose as friends for life. I thus feel especially honored and humbled that they chose me to receive the Friend for Life Award.”

Dr. Benz was the first member of Camp Casco's medical advisory board and was crucial in recruiting the top pediatric oncology members in New England to join the cause. Dr. Benz's expertise and mentorship were instrumental in successfully bringing back in-person programs after the pandemic, resulting in zero COVID-19 cases.

“Dr. Benz's support since our earliest days has been a huge factor in our success,” remarked Erin Fletcher Stern, CEO and Founder of Camp Casco.  “While upholding the highest safety standards at camp has always been a top priority, we had no idea back then that we'd soon be navigating a global pandemic on top of it all. Because of the incredible guidance and support Dr. Benz has provided, Camp Casco has maintained a safe environment for all. It's truly a privilege to honor him this year!”

Campfires & Cocktails wraps up Camp Casco’s summer programs and celebrates the organization’s volunteers, campers, and supporters. In addition to the Friend to Life Award, Campfires & Cocktails will feature activities for all ages, a silent auction, a s’mores bar, and entertainment by Mikey V of KISS 108. 

Tickets for Campfires & Cocktails are available for purchase at http://www.campcasco.org/campfiresandcocktails. All proceeds from the event will go directly to supporting Camp Casco’s programs.