Milton Marks Neuro-Oncology Family Camp (MMFC): 10 Years of Community Building and Support for Families with a Parent Diagnosed with Brain Cancer

BACKGROUND

Studies show that having a parent with brain cancer profoundly impacts the family unit, leading to increased isolation and long-term adverse psychiatric effects, particularly in children. MMFC is a free, immersive, art-focused weekend retreat, offered in collaboration with the UCSF Gordon Murray Neuro-Oncology Caregiver Program, for families in which one parent has a primary brain tumor and children living at home. The camp aims to reduce isolation by strengthening community within and among families and their care teams.

METHODS

Volunteer staff include UCSF medical providers, camp counselors, psychologists, musicians, bodyworkers, portrait photographers, and art therapists. Camp consists of family activities and separate activities designed for children and parents. Outcomes were analyzed using surveys administered to attendees before camp, immediately after, and one year later. Surveys include standardized measures and questions about camp impact.

RESULTS

From 2014-2024, an average of 11 families (24 children) participated each year, with 64% having fathers and 36% having mothers with brain tumors. Children ranged in age from infancy to 19 years, with most between 4 and 17 years. Over 70% of 108 attendees reported that attending camp increased their trust and openness with their medical teams. Families also reported increased closeness within their families, and 85% of children and 88% of parents reported increased comfort discussing the illness. Families demonstrated a decrease in symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress (DASS-21: 55% score reduction, p <.0003) and isolation. Importantly, even one year post-camp, families report continued meaningful connections with other families, improved coping with stress, improved quality of life, and a positive change in their relationship with their medical team.

CONCLUSION

Families of patients with brain cancer face high risks of isolation and emotional challenges. We highlight MMFC as a novel immersive model for improving quality of life for families alongside their medical care teams.

Recommended citation: Gebhart, L. C., Marks, A. L., Demayo, C., Clarke, J. L., Paulsen, K., Taylor, J. W., & Chang, S. (2025). " Milton Marks Neuro-Oncology Family Camp (MMFC): 10 Years of Community Building and Support for Families with a Parent Diagnosed with Brain Cancer ." Society for Neuro-Oncology Annual Meeting Proceedings.
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