Miracles for Kids Hosts Surf & Paddle Camp, Providing Respite for Families of Critically Ill Children

On a surprisingly overcast July afternoon in Newport Beach, the sound of children's laughter and excitement filled the air as they vaulted across the sand and water at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina. This was no ordinary beach day, but rather a special event hosted by Miracles for Kids, a nonprofit organization celebrating its 20th anniversary and dedicated to supporting families with critically ill children.

Empowering Families, Fostering Connections, and Creating Lasting Memories

A Day of Respite and Normalcy

The Miracles for Kids Surf & Paddle camp is an annual summer event that provides children and their families a chance to enjoy a day of fun and relaxation away from the hospital and medical appointments that have become a part of their daily lives. For many of these families, it's been a while since they've had the opportunity to bond and create memories together, and the foundation is committed to changing that."A lot of these kids have never been on a paddle board or they've never seen a kayak. So, it's something new for them to have fun with," said Sapphira Roberson, the community programs director for Miracles for Kids. "It's the notion that we want to give a day of respite for their families, so they can get away from the hospital and medical appointments and that day-to-day normal that they've been experiencing for the past few years so they're able to get out as a family and bond."The foundation ensures that the experience is entirely free for the participating families, providing gas cards to cover the cost of the drive and covering all other expenses associated with the event. This allows the families to focus on enjoying the day without worrying about the financial burden.

Fostering Connections and Normalcy

The Surf & Paddle camp is designed to provide the children and their families with a sense of normalcy and an opportunity to engage in activities that many of us take for granted. Whether it's their first time on a paddle board or kayak, the children are eager to embrace the experience and create lasting memories."A lot of families say that it's been a while since they've had family time together, and we want that for our families to have fun and for the kids to do things that are quote, unquote normal for them to do," Roberson explained.The event is split between the Newport Aquatic Center and the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina, allowing the families to explore different water-based activities and enjoy a variety of experiences. The day is filled with laughter, excitement, and a sense of camaraderie as the children and their families bond over the shared experience.

Partnerships and Community Support

The Miracles for Kids Surf & Paddle camp is made possible through the support of various community partners, including the Stand restaurant. The Stand, a family-run business with 19 locations in California, has announced a monthlong campaign to support Miracles for Kids, with from every Cookies n' Dreams milkshake sold being donated to the organization. Additionally, the Stand will be collecting donations online and at their cash registers, with the company offering to match the first ,000 in donations."For the last 20 years, we have been a family-run business, and we are incredibly excited to announce our partnership with Miracles for Kids, an organization that supports the families we care deeply about," said Zachary Wishengrad, the vice president of the Stand.The partnership between Miracles for Kids and the Stand highlights the importance of community support and the power of collaboration in making a meaningful impact on the lives of families facing the challenges of critical illness.

Overcoming Obstacles and Embracing the Moment

Despite the challenges they face, the families who participate in the Surf & Paddle camp approach the day with enthusiasm and a determination to create cherished memories. One of the participants, 9-year-old Alexander Hernandez, had never been surfing before, but he was eager to give it a try."This is my first time surfing. Next time will be my second time surfing, but we don't know when," Alex said. "I really like to do some events and other things at the beach because I really like to reach for the water. Well, even though I don't want to go inside the water, I can go when it's little waves or something. But deeper or something? I don't know."Alex's mother, Adilene Cano, shared that he had been diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia but is currently in remission. She expressed her gratitude for the support Miracles for Kids has provided to her family, allowing them to focus on creating special moments together.Another participant, Jayden Zarate, had recently undergone leg surgery, which had prevented him from participating in the camp the previous year. Despite the lingering pain, Jayden was determined to join in the fun, with his mother, Betsy Espinosa, sharing that he had been counting down the days until the event."Jayden has been struggling for a couple of weeks with pain in his leg, so he's getting distracted right now. At home, he's crying, 'My leg is hurting' and I try to make him go outside and play so he could forget for a little bit, but he was excited to come again," Espinosa said. "He gets to spend time like all the other kids."The resilience and determination of these families, coupled with the unwavering support of Miracles for Kids, create a powerful and inspiring narrative that transcends the challenges they face.