The New Hope for Kids Kamp will soon be upon us. You Can Help!

Along with our Grief and Wishes for Kids Programs, the fun and supportive family events throughout the year are what make New Hope for Kids such a unique organization. You probably know someone, perhaps in your family, a co-worker, neighbor, friend, business associate, a corporate office or maybe a group of individuals who can help in some way.

Axiel looks out to sea during his wish cruise.  Maybe you’re asking, “Does my child qualify for a wish?”  If you live in Central Florida (Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard, Indian River, Polk, Lake, Volusia, or Marion Counties), and fit the criteria below, your child would qualify for a wish.

Where would New Hope for Kids be without our volunteers?  Last year, over 10,000 volunteer hours were given to children and families receiving services from Wishes for Kids and our Grief Program.  Pictured above are two outstanding volunteers, Mark Avery and Macey Colavecchio, who spent their Saturday at Barnett Park sharing a fun picnic with New Hope for Kids families.  There were 20 others serving food, assisting with activities, doing face painting, registration, photography, and DJ services.  Since our paid staff has only 8 persons, it’s easy to see the value of those who give their time, talents and energy to bring smiles to children and adults.  YOU can be one of those people.  As you share your time, a funny thing happens–the joy that comes from those you help washes over you, too.

This week I visited my daughter’s workplace. She is a cosmetologist; chemicals are her friends because they help change the texture, style and health of hair. The smell of these useful substances is often acrid, pungent and offensive. However, when I get a whiff of permanent solution it takes me back in time. I’ve always had fine, straight, stringy hair. To combat this combination, my mom would have me sit very still while she patiently rolled permanent rods from temple to neckline. I came out looking like Shirley Temple wannabe! It’s my mom’s love and attention I treasure from this “smelly memory.”

Recently I visited a youngster who had experienced a lot of medical trauma as an infant. His life was in danger and it was necessary to take blood samples, administer transfusions, put in I.V.’s and other life-saving but very painful administrations. When scheduling the visit, his mother asked that I not wear white. She explained that her son, now 4, still panics when approached by anyone wearing white because that triggered his memories of doctors and nurses and medical procedures that had to be done.

Samantha, a 12 year old with cerebral hypoplasia and ataxia, never considered the possibility that her wish might not come true. She knew she wanted to see snow, go sledding and make a snowman! With a little help from friends at the Liberty Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania she is pictured above fulfilling her dream.

What does it take to stop a dream? Is it fear of failure? Lack of self-confidence? I wish I had the courage I see demonstrated by the children and families I serve. Is it difficult for me to get going in the morning? I have a body that works, a mind that is sound (despite what friends and families might think ha ha), and resources to fulfill any dream I might pursue.

What stops you from fulfilling your dreams? Let’s take a hint from Samantha, and make those changes we think about but never do. Start writing that book. Begin a new routine. Forget about TV for a while, and paint your masterpiece. Whatever is in your heart, go for it! Let me know if Samantha’s dream motivates you!