This pillar hits very close to home. In the early years of the foundation, our founder would take young kids and families out on the boat, for nothing more than a day to relax and see something different. It was a “de-stress” activity where everyone could just enjoy a different scenery for the day. What transpired was magical. Kids with seizures would spend an entire day on the water and not one seizure. Kids with brain injuries that could not remember anything, would talk about their day on the water and not forget. 

The ocean has healing powers that no one will ever understand. In 2024 our founder’s son had a cardiac arrest and suffered a devastating brain injury, which gave a totally new perspective to this pillar. After going through this medical emergency firsthand, he can now speak to parents and caretakers from a real-life experience. It’s not hypothetical and the ability to connect, has a very powerful impact.

NOTES: Some things to keep in mind if you know someone that has a family member with a brain injury or other type of illness that leaves them needing full time care:

• The majority of the time, everyone is by your side for the “emergency”. Once the person survives and the fear of death is erased, slowly they start to disappear.
  • Check on them at least once per week.
  • The small stuff is big to them: Ask if you can bring them a meal.
  • A trip to the groceries is a big deal: Ask if you can stock their fridge.
• The people caring for the injured person have a life-changing event:
  • Ask them how you can help them adjust.
  • Ask if they just need you to drive them somewhere.
  • Time to THINK: If you know them well, offer a 1-2 hour break for them.
• The doctors and therapy visits take a toll.
  • Volunteer to be a chauffer to the doctor a few times.
  • Give them some adult conversation. Just talk with them, let them vent.
  • Sometimes you need to just show up and be there for a little while.
    
    

Your donations help support this arm of giving back to those that are in need. We do our best to give the patient a great day, and the caregivers a day off. 

If you are a person that is a caregiver, would like to donate your time for these types of excursions, please send in your name and information. Donations are not all about money, sometimes time is more important and more of a difference.