December 2024

Celebrating Our Decade of Impact

For the past ten years, A Week Away has been a beacon of hope, providing Respites for families navigating the challenges of life-threatening illnesses. As we celebrate this milestone, we want to reflect on our organization's journey over the past ten years. From the families we’ve supported to the partnerships built, our mission continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of volunteers, families, and individuals. Year after year, we’re honored to advance our late founder Caleb Walker’s mission to create moments of normalcy and peace.

Milestones Over the Years

In our 10 years of service, we’ve expanded our reach–serving hundreds of families across Pennsylvania. Our success isn’t possible without the help of our team, fundraisers, and sponsors who continually support us in providing Respites. 

Over 10 years, we’ve:

  • Provided 266 approved Respites.
  • Raised $2.2 million to expand our impact.
  • Received over $275K in lifetime donations through our annual holiday fundraiser, Light The Tree. 
  • Collectively raised $1.2 million through The Caleb Walker Memorial Golf Tournament.
  • Grown to 30 active volunteers.
  • Supported individuals and families in 26 hospital systems. 

In 2024 we:

  • Granted 25 Respites.
  • Increased our Locational Boundaries. We now serve Lehigh County in addition to Adams, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Delaware, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Montgomery, Perry, Philadelphia, and York County.
  • Raised over $202,000.00 in our 10th Annual Caleb Walker Memorial Golf Tournament. It was our most successful fundraising event! 

Celebrated our 10-year anniversary on March 24, 2024, by honoring our sponsors and volunteers with a Thank You reception.

Impact on Families

Our Respites provide emotional relief for both families and caregivers. In these moments of rest, families can breathe, rest, and reconnect. Respites offer individuals space to create lifelong memories away from the routines of medical appointments and care schedules. Hear directly from the families we’ve served:

Lynch Family: “Apart from Livvy having a bald head, nobody knew that our family was any different from anyone else. We were normal.”

Robinson Family:  “My most memorable time was being on the beach with my family and seeing the smile on Riley’s face as she enjoyed spending time with her loved ones. We really appreciate the wonderful experience that you have given us. The trip for the week was exactly what we needed to regroup as a family and enjoy one another on good terms.”

Mizak Family: “I have been battling this disease for eleven years. The past two years have been the hardest. It’s easier to feel overwhelmed with five kids, laundry, chemo, scans… So thank you, A Week Away team! I do feel well-rested and relaxed after our respite. Ready to keep fighting this fight!”

What’s emerged throughout our 10 years is increased hope in Pennsylvania. As we look forward to the next decade, we remain committed to serving those navigating life-threatening illnesses. 

If your family needs a moment of Respite, please reach out or Apply for a Respite. Thank YOU for being a part of our journey and Supporting A Week Away.