DR. MICHAEL D. AMYLON
1998 HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Camp Okizu
United States
Dr. Michael D. Amylon has dedicated his life caring for children with cancer. As a pediatric oncologist/hematologist at Stanford University, his work has gone far beyond “treating” children. Amylon brought to life Camp Okizu, a special place where children with cancer come together and feel comfortable being themselves. In addition, he established the SIBS (Special and Important Brothers and Sisters) program which aids the often forgotten siblings of children with cancer; and he helped found the Touchstone Support Network providing support for children with life-threatening or chronic illnesses and their families.
From the time he was an Honoree for World of Children, Amylon has become a Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics at the Stanford University School of Medicine and the Packard’s Children’s Hospital. He remains dedicated to his work with the Okizu Foundation, now celebrating its new camp facility serving hundreds of children and families each year who are affected by pediatric cancer.
Amylon has recently published a research study documenting the impact the Okizu camping program has on the siblings of young cancer patients. He believes the most rewarding part of being an Honoree is having the opportunity to meet and share experiences with people for whom children are a high priority and who have developed effective programs to help them.